A federal judge is weighing whether the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office can continue working on an appeal involving a conviction in a 2007 murder, as testimony in federal court brings new scrutiny to how the office handled the case. The proceedings have focused on behind-the-scenes conv ersations within the DA’s office and what happened when some of those involved said errors were discovered. At the center of the case is Dennis Johnson, who is appealing his conviction in the murder. Johnson’s father, Roy Clark, attended the federal court proceedings and said the dispute within the DA’s office has become the focus rather than his son’s case. “Right now, the substance of the case is the in-house fighting,” Clark said. Clark said the proceedings have been difficult as he waits for a resolution in his son’s case. “It’s excruciating because initially I was thinking that he was getting out because they agreed to appeal,” Clark said. Philadelphia Aug 25 Krasner says he will keep piece of Trump's ballroom after ‘we all blow it up' Philadelphia Aug 26 DA Krasner spotlights 9 fugitives wanted in Northwest, South Philly homicides Philadelphia Aug 27 DA says man ‘does not dispute' shooting off-duty officer, but questions remain Philadelphia Aug 13 Krasner awards $240K in grants to Philadelphia anti-violence groups Johnson has been incarcerated for 19 years, according to his father. “I’m down here for my son, not for the D.A.’s office in-house fighting, and I’m trying to get him home. He’s been down 19 years,” Clark said. Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner was not among those called to testify about the case and his office’s actions. Last week, NBC10’s partners at KYW Newsradio reported that the judge said criminal charges could result from testimony presented in court but did not say who could face charges. At an unrelated news conference at his Center City office Tuesday, Krasner briefly addressed the federal court proceedings. “I understand that some of you might have questions about goings on in federal court, the only thing that is appropriate for me to say about that now is that the judge has put a briefing schedule out, which requires filing the papers on Tuesday,” Krasner said. Krasner declined to answer questions about the proceedings, saying it would be inappropriate for an attorney to comment before they conclude. “It is inappropriate before there is a conclusion of proceedings it is inappropriate for any attorney to comment on those proceedings in a way that might affect the outcome, and I follow the rules, so I’m going to follow that one for today,” Krasner said. The decision on whether the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office can continue on Johnson’s case is now up to the federal judge. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication. ...read more read less