DOJ: Holder Recused Himself From AP Phone Records Subpoena

Source: TPM

SAHIL KAPUR 1:45 PM EDT, TUESDAY MAY 14, 2013

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder recused himself from the decision to subpoena phone records of Associated Press journalists, according to a Justice Department official, who said the decision was made by Deputy Attorney General James Cole.

"As the Attorney General testified in June 2012, he was interviewed by the FBI in connection with the investigation into the unauthorized disclosure of classified information," the DOJ official said. "To avoid any potential appearance of a conflict of interest, the Attorney General recused himself from this matter. Since that time, this investigation has been conducted by the FBI under the direction of the U.S. Attorney and the supervision of the Deputy Attorney General, who has served as the Acting Attorney General overseeing this investigation. The decision to seek media toll records in this investigation was made by the Deputy Attorney General consistent with Department regulations and policies."

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