DOJ's top prosecutor in LA hires aide with pending battery charge, DUIs
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli hired former top aide Shawn Lewis to be a federal law enforcement liaison, though Lewis has three prior convictions for driving under the influence and a pending battery charge.
The top federal prosecutor's office in Los Angeles has hired a new aide, Shawn Christopher Lewis, despite his pending battery charge and multiple DUI convictions. Lewis previously served as chief of staff to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli when the latter was a California assemblyman. Lewis is currently working as a community resource specialist at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California, where he assists in public affairs, drafting press releases, and promoting the office's work.
He has been convicted of driving under the influence at least three times - in 2013, 2015, and 2021. Additionally, Lewis faces charges of misdemeanor battery and taking property in Sacramento after allegedly punching a man and throwing his cell phone onto a roof. He was on probation for his third DUI conviction at the time of his arrest.
Lewis' attorney maintains his client's innocence and stated that Lewis welcomed an opportunity to clear his name. The hiring of Lewis by the Justice Department has drawn criticism from some, who argue that it undermines the integrity of the criminal justice system and sets a precedent for hiring individuals with a criminal background.
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