Don Lemon case faces new scrutiny as judge orders DOJ to hand over grand jury records

A federal judge in Minnesota has ordered the US Justice Department to hand over grand jury records as she considers whether grounds exist to dismiss the criminal case against journalist Don Lemon.

According to CNN Judge Laura Provinzino ordered prosecutors to provide materials related to grand juries convened in January and February, including presentations, legal instructions, witness testimony and communications with jurors.

Lemom's lawyers have sought access to the records, alleging problems with the proceedings that led to his indictment.

“There is substantial evidence of grand-jury irregularities in this case,” Lemon's lawyers said in a court filing.

Provinzino has not found that misconduct occurred. Her order said she was considering the need for grand jury secrecy against whether there could be grounds to dismiss the case over a “matter that occurred before the grand jury.”

Lemon, a former CNN anchor, was indicted after appearing alongside protesters who disrupted a church service in St Paul, Minnesota.

He faces charges of conspiring to violate constitutional rights and violating the FACE Act, which prohibits force or threats intended to interfere with religious worship. Lemon has pleaded not guilty.

Former federal judge Mark Wolf told CNN obtaining grand jury material is rare: “There is a high bar to getting grand jury materials.”