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Justice Department Puts Two D.C. Prosecutors on Leave After Jan. 6 Language in Sentencing Memo

The unannounced suspensions followed a Taranto sentencing memo, heightening scrutiny of DOJ personnel shifts.

Overview

  • Carlos Valdivia and Samuel White were locked out of government devices and placed on administrative leave hours after filing a sentencing memo in Taylor Taranto’s case, according to multiple reports.
  • The memo briefly described January 6 as “thousands of people comprising a mob of rioters” and noted Taranto reposted the president’s social-media post with former President Barack Obama’s purported address before livestreaming in that neighborhood.
  • Prosecutors sought a 27‑month prison term for Taranto over 2023 firearms and hoax‑threat offenses; his sentencing is expected this week before U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols.
  • The Justice Department declined to comment on the personnel move carried out by the Executive Office for United States Attorneys; the filing bore the signature of U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who issued a separate statement stressing the office’s focus on threats and violence.
  • The leave orders track broader staffing changes affecting Jan. 6‑related prosecutors, and court records show new attorneys, including Jonathan Hornok, have entered appearances in the Taranto matter.