State Charges and Past Convictions of Liaison
The newly appointed liaison to local law enforcement for the top federal prosecutor in Los Angeles faces state criminal charges. Public records reveal that Shawn Christopher Lewis has prior convictions for driving under the influence. Lewis, previously the chief of staff for First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli during his term as a California assemblyman, now serves the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Central District of California as a community resource specialist, confirmed a spokesperson from Essayli’s office.
The spokesperson noted that Lewis has various responsibilities, including public affairs tasks like drafting press releases and speaking with media. Despite his hiring, public records report Lewis’s multiple DUI convictions in 2013, 2015, and 2021. Currently, Lewis is charged with misdemeanor battery and taking property in Sacramento. According to police reports and court filings, he allegedly punched a man repeatedly and threw the man’s cellphone onto a roof, preventing a 911 call.
On May 12, police initially booked Lewis on charges of resisting arrest and public intoxication along with battery. At that time, Lewis was on probation for his third DUI when Sacramento police arrested him. On Wednesday, Yolo County District Attorney’s Office filed a probation violation against him, with a court appearance required. Lewis also violated probation following his first DUI in San Mateo County.
Jeff Raven, Lewis’s attorney, maintained his client’s innocence, asserting innocence unless proven guilty. He stated that Lewis was hired by the Justice Department earlier in the year but began his position more recently.
Controversy Over Hiring
Former Department of Justice officials criticize Essayli’s decision to employ a former staffer with a criminal past. Stacey Young from Justice Connection argued this undermines trust in the system. Traditionally, past criminal histories would have disqualified such individuals during background checks. The Justice Department is undergoing staffing challenges, with significant employee turnover since January 2025, making hiring patterns shift.
Attorney General Todd Blanche’s deputy Shane Hedges and Associate Deputy U.S. Attorney Aakash Singh also faced DUI-related offenses. Hedges served community service for negligent homicide linked to a drunk driving incident, while Singh was involved in politically sensitive investigations at the Justice Department.
Background Verification Concerns
Michael Bromwich, former Justice Department inspector general, expressed surprise at the lowered hiring standards. Both Hedges and Singh could not be contacted for comments. A spokesperson emphasized the rigorous background checks for all employees.
Battery Charge Details
The battery charge trace back to an altercation with Lewis’s former colleague in May, when he allegedly assaulted the alleged victim. The victim shared that the confrontation stemmed from an argument involving a female acquaintance. He suffered broken bones in his hand due to Lewis’s alleged attacks.
Ongoing Legal Troubles and Other Justice Department Hiring Concerns
Court records trace Lewis’s probation violations post his DUI convictions, including failures to enroll in court-mandated programs following his 2013 conviction and subsequent arrests thereafter. Lewis’s third DUI in 2022 involved a 0.15% blood alcohol level. Currently, Lewis awaits a court hearing scheduled in Yolo County Superior Court.
The Justice Department’s past hires included Megan Frederick, who faced assault accusations during her tenure. Her employment ended earlier this year.
Revised Suitability Regulations
Last month, the DOJ announced updated suitability and fitness regulations for all employees. These require self-reporting of events such as arrests and financial issues. Failing to report these could lead to security violations affecting employment.