Hagan Scotten is an experienced and very successful prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY). Relatively well-known for being accurate and no-nonsense when it comes to justice, Scotten was also a former assistant U.S. attorney for several years, where he oversaw significant corruption and complex criminal investigations. A capable litigator, Scotten was highly respected by fellow staff members for his firm commitment to the rule of law. Before joining SDNY, Scotten honed his legal skills through a string of federal appointments, trying public corruption and financial crime cases. His skill at trying politically sensitive cases has made him a figure of note in the legal community.
Recent Developments
Scotten has been making national headlines ever since he resigned from the Department of Justice (DOJ) on February 14, 2025. Scotten walked away after the DOJ released an objected-to directive to dismiss a charge of corruption against New York City Mayor Eric Adams—a directive that Scotten and a group of other lead prosecutors declined to act upon.
In a blistering resignation letter to Deputy Acting Attorney General Emil Bove, Scotten criticized the DOJ’s move. He explained that while he was never personally asked to dismiss the case himself, he was wholeheartedly in support of Acting U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon’s refusal to follow the dismissal order.
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A Defining Moment
The Adams charging is based on impropriety and corruption allegations, and the SDNY prosecutors are arguing the case for why Adams needs to be charged. Scotten’s resignation was an escalation of the feud because it followed the abrupt resignation of Sassoon and several other senior Justice Department officials. The resignations were in response to concern that DOJ is prioritizing politics over the quest for justice.
Scotten was very clear in his letter that he would have nothing to do with what he viewed as an unwarranted use of prosecutorial discretion. He warned of the danger of creating a wrong precedent by so doing, and proceeded further to assert that no prosecutor who is concerned about upholding his oath of office would be a participant in such an enterprise. His pronouncement has had far-reaching consequences, opening the way to a more universal debate on the independence of the justice system.
Legacy and Impact
Hagan Scotten’s resignation has cemented his reputation as a prosecutor who does what is right and stands on principle. His stand has been welcomed by most in the legal community, who see his resignation as a strong statement in defense of the rule of law. As Mayor Adams’ prosecution goes on under the DOJ’s Public Integrity Section, Scotten’s resignation is a reminder of the battle between political power and justice.
Scotten’s future is uncertain for now, but his recent actions leave no question where he stands on justice—no matter what it costs him.
Hagan Scotten Linkedln and is he school in Harvard?
He served three tours of duty as a Special Forces officer in Iraq, won two Bronze Stars, He’d later come back home, and joined Harvard Law School. He later clerked for John Roberts.