DOJ Revoked Security Clearance of Miami Prosecutor
The senior counsel left a Florida criminal investigation after failing a polygraph test in September.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Financial Crime
Live Poll
Should the government enforce stricter security clearance standards for lawyers conducting sensitive criminal investigations?
Kurt Olsen, a senior counsel in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Miami, stepped down from a Florida criminal investigation after the Justice Department terminated his security clearance. The move followed a failed polygraph test that made it difficult for Olsen to maintain his access to classified information.
Why it matters
The change in personnel represents a significant disruption to a high-profile case involving the investigation of John Brennan. The vacancy comes as the department navigates internal leadership shifts and questions regarding the handling of sensitive evidence.
The Justice Department confirmed that the senior counsel now lacks active clearance, following a timeline that accelerated after the September resignation of investigation supervisor Joseph diGenova.
The players
Kurt Olsen
A senior counsel in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Miami who led the Florida criminal investigation.
Joseph diGenova
The former supervisor of the Florida investigation who resigned on September 10, 2026.
John Brennan
A target of the criminal investigation who received notice from federal prosecutors.
The details
Olsen served as a key figure in the Florida-based probe, even leading communications with legal counsel for John Brennan regarding grand jury subpoenas. Following the resignation of supervisor Joseph diGenova on September 10, Olsen expressed dissatisfaction with new directives from federal leadership before eventually notifying officials of his intent to depart the investigation on September 28.
Timeline
September 10, 2026: Joseph diGenova resigned from the investigation.
September 28, 2026: Olsen notified officials of his intent to leave the investigation.
October 7, 2026: Reports confirmed the failed polygraph and clearance termination.
Beyond the 305
This staffing shakeup follows the pattern of internal federal investigative turnover seen in other sensitive national security cases. It highlights the vulnerability of regional criminal probes when personnel conflicts arise within the Department of Justice.
The transition within the U.S. Attorney's Office in Miami may delay local proceedings related to the ongoing investigation. Residents should monitor future filings from the court to see if this shift impacts the expected timeline for grand jury testimony.
The takeaway
Personnel turnover within the U.S. Attorney's Office can signal broader changes in how the federal government manages complex local investigations. Watch for updates on whether new counsel is assigned to the case involving John Brennan to maintain the current investigative momentum.
Further reading
For more on local legal developments, visit our Financial Crime section.
Live Poll
Should the government enforce stricter security clearance standards for lawyers conducting sensitive criminal investigations?
