South Florida DOJ Official Resigns Amid Questions Surrounding High-Profile Probe
A string of departures
Quiñones’ resignation followed the September departure of Joe diGenova, a former U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C. DiGenova quit after disagreements with the Deputy Attorney General’s Office over how the investigation was managed.
Concerns over evidence
Earlier this year, the lead career prosecutor in Quiñones’ office who was overseeing the investigation was sidelined after raising concerns about the strength of the evidence, CBS News previously reported. Deputy Attorney General Blanche said the investigation would continue. He also said there was “no frustration” with its pace.
Other cases in South Florida
The Justice Department announced the departure of Harmeet Dhillon, who led its Civil Rights Division, one day before Quiñones resigned. Quiñones, the son of Cuban refugees, has pursued investigations into Cuban government officials accused of crimes affecting the United States.
His office has also been working on a criminal investigation targeting former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who is jailed in New York City awaiting trial on drug and torture charges, CBS News previously reported. Saab has pleaded guilty in the case, prompting questions about whether he might cooperate and provide evidence against Maduro.
Key points
- Quiñones resigned Friday as the South Florida prosecutor overseeing the intelligence officials investigation.
- The inquiry has seen multiple departures and internal disputes over its management and evidence.
- Quiñones’ office is also investigating former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
- Saab’s guilty plea has prompted questions about possible cooperation against Maduro.