Andrew S. Boutros, appointed by the Trump administration, currently serves as the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. He oversees a criminal investigation involving E. Jean Carroll, who accused Donald J. Trump of sexual assault.
Boutros’s resume initially appeared promising for the role. He is a former federal prosecutor for the Northern District, with experience in drug trafficking, white-collar crimes, and money laundering. After his government service, he transitioned to private practice before returning as a U.S. attorney just over a year ago.
Since assuming his position in Chicago, Boutros, 48, has focused on cases involving financial fraud, firearm possession, robbery, and threats of violence. His office has also redirected resources to prosecute cases with political implications. Boutros has emerged as a prosecutor whose actions appear closely aligned with former President Trump’s agenda. This approach has faced difficulties, including repeated challenges from judges and juries.
Former deputy chief Christopher V. Parente expressed concerns about Boutros’s alignment with Trump’s interests. He mentioned a case where Boutros’s office prosecuted protesters against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Parente questioned whether Boutros is sacrificing the credibility of the U.S. attorney’s office for political purposes.
Recently, Judge April M. Perry admonished Boutros in her courtroom. Judge Perry concluded that his office acted inappropriately before a grand jury. During the hearing, she emphasized the duty of prosecutors to pursue justice. “Your sole goal is to do justice,” she told him. She believes trust between government attorneys and the judicial system has been compromised.