Don Lemon Adds Former Federal Prosecutor to Defense Team
ST PAUL, Minn. — Journalist Don Lemon has retained former senior U.S. Assistant prosecutor Joe Thompson to join his legal defense team, according to reports first published by the New York Times and confirmed by KARE 11 through court filings.
Lemon is facing federal civil rights charges stemming from his coverage of an anti-immigration enforcement protest that disrupted a service at a St. Paul church, the Associated Press reports. The arrests sparked criticism from news media advocates and civil rights activists, including Rev. Al Sharpton, who characterized the Trump administration’s response as a “sledgehammer” to “the knees of the First Amendment.”
Thompson brings significant experience in federal prosecution to Lemon’s defense. He was a key figure in the prosecution of fraud cases in Minnesota, most notably serving as lead prosecutor in the “Feeding Our Future” fraud scheme. That case culminated in the conviction of Aimee Bock, identified as the organization’s executive director and “mastermind,” in a federal trial last year. More recently, Thompson announced additional charges in a wider fraud investigation, revealing that 14 Minnesota programs designed to disperse Medicaid funds are under investigation for “significant fraud” potentially totaling billions of dollars. He was also involved in the federal prosecution of Vance Boelter.
However, Thompson’s decision to join Lemon’s team comes after a significant career shift. In mid-January, Thompson resigned from his position in the federal prosecutors’ office for Minnesota, along with others, reportedly due to disagreements with the Department of Justice regarding the shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent. This resignation adds a layer of complexity to his representation of Lemon, given his recent departure from the government.
A grand jury in Minnesota has indicted Lemon on charges of conspiracy and interfering with the First Amendment rights of worshippers during the January 18 protest at the church where a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official serves as a pastor. Independent journalist Georgia Fort is also facing charges in connection with the protest.
Lemon, who was fired from CNN in 2023, has stated that he has no affiliation with the organization that entered the church and was present solely as a journalist documenting the protest.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
