Trump Administration Halted Investigation into Clemency for Fraud Convict

Federal prosecutors had started investigating the circumstances surrounding the clemency granted to David Gentile. Gentile, a private equity executive, was involved in a $1.6 billion fraud scheme. He was released from prison shortly after beginning a seven-year sentence, which was reduced following clemency by President Trump.

This investigation was halted by political appointees from the Trump administration. According to five individuals familiar with the situation, early-stage inquiries into possible improper payments linked to the clemency commutation were stopped.

Prior to receiving clemency, Gentile’s scheme defrauded thousands of investors, many of whom lost their retirement savings. The clemency not only released Gentile from prison but also protected him from forfeiting over $15.5 million to the government.

Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn, where Gentile had been convicted, initiated the investigation into the commutation process shortly after his release. They gathered evidence, including jailhouse communications. These communications revealed that Gentile discussed paying $2.5 million or more to facilitate his clemency.

The investigation scrutinized Rev. Frank Mann, a retired Catholic priest from Queens. Although Father Mann denied involvement, evidence suggested he communicated with Gentile about lobbying President Trump for the clemency.