Gang-Busting Federal Prosecutor Dismissed

The prosecutor who led the federal government’s case against Chicago’s notorious El Rukn street gang has again been fired by the Justice Department. William Hogan Jr., an assistant U.S. attorney, first was dismissed in April, but the Justice Department agreed in July to reconsider. Hogan, 45, then was reinstated on paid leave to his $98,000-a-year job and given back pay while the department took another look at the matter. But Hogan said he was fired again, effective Nov. 22. Hogan helped convict more than 50 El Rukn members, but dozens won new trials or lesser prison sentences after federal judges ruled that Hogan concealed drug use by two key government witnesses who were former gang leaders. Hogan, a prosecutor for 14 years, denied the allegations. He withdrew a lawsuit challenging his dismissal when the Justice Department decided to reconsider; on Wednesday, he said he would file that lawsuit again. “I want what I’ve always wanted,” Hogan said. “I want my reputation for honesty and integrity restored publicly.”