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Aug. 4, 2025

Judge demands DOJ justify dismissal of tax charges against Fatburger founder

U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner cited a lack of justification in the government's motion. The demand comes amid a flurry of controversial dismissal efforts led by acting U.S. Attorney Bilal Essayli just days before his interim appointment expired.

U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner on Friday ordered federal prosecutors to explain their surprise request to dismiss a high-profile tax evasion indictment against Fatburger founder Andrew Wiederhorn, warning that the government's filing lacked justification and failed to meet the standard required under federal rules.

The order came amid mounting controversy surrounding recently appointed acting U.S. Attorney Bilal A. "Bill" Essayli, whose office has moved to dro...

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