Federal prosecutors are under scrutiny after attorneys for Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old accused of stalking and murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, alleged in court that officials had been eavesdropping on his privileged conversations with his legal team.
Mangione appeared in a Manhattan federal courtroom on Friday, April 25, where he pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and stalking. During the arraignment, his defense attorney, Karen Agnifilo, told the court that her team had been informed prosecutors in the Manhattan District Attorney’s office — which is handling a separate state case against Mangione — had allegedly listened in on calls between Mangione and his lawyers.
Agnifilo said she was told the eavesdropping was “inadvertent,” but demanded that firm measures be implemented immediately to protect Mangione’s right to private, attorney-client communications.
In response, Judge Margaret Garnett ordered Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic A. Gentile to submit a letter by May 2, assuring the court that Mangione will have access to a secure, confidential line to communicate with his legal team. Garnett also requested a detailed explanation about how prosecutors plan to prevent further breaches of attorney-client privilege moving forward. Gentile acknowledged the allegations and said the government is investigating the matter.
Inside the packed courtroom, Mangione appeared in a khaki jail uniform with his hands restrained behind his back. He remained expressionless as the charges were read aloud but looked down when Judge Garnett referenced Brian Thompson, asking prosecutors whether there were any additional victims tied to the case.
Judge Garnett ordered that discovery materials be turned over to the defense by May 27 and stated her intention to set a trial date by December 5.
Mangione, who has attracted an unusual number of supporters, is facing both federal and state charges in connection with the December shooting of Thompson, a case that has captured national attention.