Judge orders full grand jury materials in Lemon case

A Minnesota federal judge ordered the Justice Department to turn over grand jury materials related to Don Lemon’s case, amid allegations of irregularities in the proceedings that led to his indictment for protesting at a church service. The judge’s action comes as Lemon’s defense and several judges nationwide scrutinize grand jury practices, with Wyoming, Illinois and Virginia cases prompting charges to be dropped or prosecutors admonished for missteps. Prosecutors must provide extensive grand jury materials, including presentations, instructions, witness testimony and communications with jurors, as the judge weighs whether there were grounds to dismiss the case. Lemon’s team has argued there is substantial evidence of grand-jury irregularities and has sought access to transcripts to challenge how the grand jury was instructed and what was presented. The broader trend noted by outlets is growing judicial skepticism toward DOJ conduct behind closed doors in grand jury proceedings and a push for greater transparency and possible new rules. Lemon, a former CNN anchor, faces charges tied to conspiring to violate rights and the FACE Act after protesting at a Minnesota church service.