The ability of the criminal justice system to handle high-profile cases involving reviled figures reflects its strengths or weaknesses. While few would voice concern over the well-being of the notorious former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, the recent news that federal authorities have chosen to join the multiple legal proceedings involving Weinstein raises concerns that transcend the fate of this individual.

As recently reported by the Wall Street Journal (Sept. 1, 2018), federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York are investigating the efforts of Weinstein to silence women who accused him of acts of sexual misconduct. The investigation apparently focuses on the measures taken by an Israeli investigative firm, Black Cube, who was retained in 2017 by the prominent New York law firm, Boies Schiller Flexner, counsel for Weinstein at the time. The potential federal offense involves allegations of wire fraud.