The newly appointed liaison to local law enforcement for the top federal prosecutor in Los Angeles is embroiled in state criminal charges and has a history of DUI convictions, according to public records. Shawn Christopher Lewis, previously the chief of staff for First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli when he served as a California assemblyman, now works as a community resource specialist for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. A spokesperson confirmed his diverse role, encompassing public affairs and media relations.
Despite his convictions for driving under the influence in 2013, 2015, and 2021, Lewis was hired and currently faces charges of misdemeanor battery and property damage in Sacramento. He allegedly assaulted a man, threw his phone onto a rooftop, and prevented a 911 call. Initial charges included resisting arrest and public intoxication.
Lewis was on probation for his third DUI at the time of his Sacramento arrest. The Yolo County District Attorney has filed a probation violation and ordered a court appearance. Court records reveal previous probation violations, with his first DUI in San Mateo County leading to an unfulfilled court-ordered program.
Mr. Lewis welcomes an opportunity to clear his name,
stated Jeff Raven, Lewis’s attorney, asserting his client’s presumption of innocence. Raven noted Lewis’s hiring was standard and unrelated to his legal matters.
Essayli has directed all inquiries to his office’s spokesperson, while ex-Department of Justice (DOJ) officials criticize the hiring of Lewis, citing a declining integrity standard. Over 16,000 DOJ employees have left since January 2025, with hiring challenges leading to an increased pattern of hiring individuals with past criminal records.
Two DOJ officials have faced legal issues—a DUI by Shane Hedges, and an occasional professional discipline, as shown in the case of Aakash Singh, a key DOJ figure with a past DUI arrest.
Michael Bromwich, a former DOJ inspector general, questions the background checks allowing such hires, urging a reevaluation of hiring practices. A DOJ spokesperson insists on thorough background checks and clearance processes despite these incidents.
The battery charge against Lewis links to an altercation with a former colleague intending to protect a mutual friend. The incident escalated, resulting in assault, a broken phone, and calls for emergency assistance from bystanders.
Lewis’s repeated DUI offenses point to a troubling pattern. He faced multiple law violations during probation, encountering arrests and additional convictions thereafter. His third DUI in 2022 led to a jail sentence and probation, alongside ordered attendance in a program for repeat offenders.
Earlier hires at the DOJ during the Trump administration faced similar controversies, such as attorney Megan Frederick, with past assault accusations. Her DOJ employment ended abruptly, causing office disruptions.
DOJ recently updated its suitability and fitness regulations, requiring employees to self-report major life changes, arrests, and drug or alcohol misuse. Compliance ensures job security, with violations risking employment eligibility.