David Schertler, Danny Onorato, Lisa Schertler, and Tara Tighe Successfully Defend Retired Marine Corps General in Criminal FARA Investigation

JANUARY 2023

On January 30, 2023, Schertler Onorato Mead & Sears partner David Schertler confirmed that the Department of Justice National Security Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California have informed the firm that their investigation of General John R. Allen (Ret.) is closed and that no criminal charges will be brought under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) or any other law. Mr. Schertler successfully represented General Allen in this matter with assistance from Danny Onorato, Lisa Schertler, and Tara Tighe. The widely publicized investigation related to a trip that General Allen made to Qatar in June 2017, with the knowledge and support of United States government officials, during a regional diplomatic crisis. In confirming the declination of charges, Mr. Schertler commented that “General Allen’s actions were intended to and did benefit the United States and particularly the United States service personnel stationed in Qatar whose lives were at risk from a potential military conflict.” Mr. Schertler added that “we are pleased that General Allen can now resume his life of service to his country without the cloud of any criminal investigation hanging over him.”

For press coverage of this matter, see the following links:
Justice Dept. Drops Investigation of Retired U.S. General – The New York Times (nytimes.com)
DOJ Closes Investigation Into Former Gen. John Allen Without Bringing Charges – WSJ
Justice Department closes foreign lobbying investigation into retired Marine general without filing charges, attorney says | CNN Politics