Wheeler says DePodesta's allegations challenge the account of outside contacts
Marcy WheelerIndependent journalist, writing her own analysis at emptywheel
Wheeler argues that the October 7 meeting alleged in DePodesta's complaint matters because it preceded the first grand-jury presentation. She sees him as a potential witness to outside involvement.
“the top officials at DOJ and FBI were discussing the case before any attempt to charge it.”
Original text
Other statements by Marcy Wheeler in this case
- Wheeler calls DOJ's response to Perry contemptuousEarlier: Condemned
- Wheeler argues Blanche's alleged involvement compromises supervisionSame day: Condemned
Where this statement fits
Former Chicago FBI chief Douglas DePodesta sues U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros, alleging he was blamed for the Broadview Six collapse; judge orders Boutros to testify
Former FBI Chicago chief Douglas DePodesta alleges U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros falsely blamed him for the collapse of the Broadview Six prosecution, forcing him out. The same day, Judge April Perry ordered Boutros to testify about his statements to her court.
Source and context
Original text
About this source
Wheeler analyzes allegations in DePodesta's complaint. The alleged meeting and its implications remain disputed.
Before the quotation
The complaint alleges that Boutros discussed the investigation with Patel, Blanche and McDonald.
After the quotation
Wheeler allows that Boutros could say he had already decided to charge; the alleged meeting is not an established finding.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
She challenges the prosecutors' account of contacts with Main Justice, based on DePodesta's allegations.
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More from this case
Read the full caseDePodesta says the highest levels of the FBI ordered him out
“I was ordered by the highest levels of the FBI that I needed to leave my position.”Read statement
Judge April Perry calls Boutros's statements to the court about the grand jury transcript hard to credit
“The idea that USA Boutros would have made such a significant decision without reviewing the best evidence available to him about what went wrong in the grand jury is nearly unfathomable.”Read statement
Nancy DePodesta says, in her view, Douglas DePodesta was forced out based on what appear to be utterly false rumors spread by the U.S. attorney
“It is both heartbreaking and shameful that he was forced out of his position based on what appear to be utterly false rumors spread by the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois”Read statement
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The Dispute Index. "Wheeler says DePodesta's allegations challenge the account of outside contacts". First published: 2026-11-06. Last updated: 2026-11-06. https://disputeindex.com/events/8197-wheeler-argues-that-the-october-7-meeting-alleged