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David Iglesias
Former U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico
Fired Federal Prosecutor, Whistleblower
Overview
David Iglesias served as U.S. Attorney for New Mexico from 2001 until his firing on December 7, 2006, as part of the Bush administration's political purge of federal prosecutors. A Navy JAG officer and the real-life inspiration for the Tom Cruise character in "A Few Good Men," Iglesias was fired after refusing to bring voter fraud indictments against Democrats before the 2006 midterm elections despite direct improper pressure from Republican Senator Pete Domenici and Congresswoman Heather Wilson. His case became a central example of the politicization of the Department of Justice under Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
Fired for refusing politically motivated prosecutions
Received improper contact from Senator Pete Domenici and Rep. Heather Wilson
Became key whistleblower in the U.S. Attorney firings scandal
Inspiration for the Tom Cruise character in "A Few Good Men"
Related Investigations (1)
Known Associates & Connections
Alberto Gonzales
Attorney General who authorized his firing
Karl Rove
Senior Bush advisor involved in selecting prosecutors for removal
Harriet Miers
White House Counsel who architected the attorney purge plan
Sources & Documentation
2 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
- Born
- 1960
- Birthplace
- United States
Education
- •B.A., Wheaton College
- •J.D., University of New Mexico School of Law
Key Timeline
2001
Appointed U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico by President George W. Bush
2006-10-16
Senator Pete Domenici calls Iglesias at home asking about sealed indictments against Democrats before the election; Iglesias says they won't come before November
2006-10-16
Congresswoman Heather Wilson makes similar improper call about pending cases
2006-12-07
Fired as part of coordinated purge of seven U.S. Attorneys
2007-03
Testifies before Congress about political pressure to bring partisan prosecutions
2007-06
Publishes "In Justice: Inside the Scandal That Rocked the Bush Administration"
2008-09
DOJ Inspector General report confirms his firing was politically motivated