Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke revealed that she had been arrested and did not disclose the legal matter during her Senate confirmation process because it had been expunged from her record. During her 2021 confirmation process, she was asked if she had ever been arrested for or accused of committing a violent crime against any person, to which she responded, “No.” However, it was reported that she was arrested in Maryland in relation to a domestic violence complaint back in 2006.
Court documents, her ex-husband, Reginald Avery, and text messages between Avery and the head of a conservative nonprofit group revealed that Clarke was arrested after allegedly coming at him with a knife when he revealed he was cheating on her. The charges against Clarke were dropped, and she later filed paperwork to have the arrest expunged from her record. Clarke addressed the issue in a statement to CNN, saying she had been a victim of abuse and domestic violence and sought to heal and move on from the traumatic experience, not wishing to relive it.
Clarke argued that since the arrest had been expunged, she was not required to disclose it to lawmakers during her confirmation process. Despite calls for her resignation from Republicans who believe she lied under oath, Clarke maintained that she would continue working to ensure that the needs and experiences of crime victims were central to her work. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) criticized Clarke for lying under oath and called for her resignation, citing her role in enforcing civil rights laws and her aggressive enforcement against certain groups while failing to do so against others.
The controversy surrounding Clarke’s undisclosed arrest and the calls for her resignation have brought attention to her role as the head of the Justice Department’s civil rights division. Some believe that her actions undermine her credibility and ability to enforce civil rights laws effectively. Despite the criticism, Clarke has shown no indication of resigning from her position and remains committed to ensuring that the work of the DOJ centers on the experiences and needs of crime victims as she continues her career in public service.
The issue raises questions about transparency and honesty in the confirmation process for government officials, particularly concerning matters that have been expunged or legally removed from their records. Clarke’s decision not to disclose her arrest presents a challenge for lawmakers and the public in evaluating her suitability for her role in enforcing civil rights laws. The controversy highlights the complexities of personal history and the balance between privacy rights and the public’s need for transparency in government appointees. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Clarke’s handling of the matter will impact her credibility and effectiveness in her position going forward.
