Shred of Truth to Demotion of Ryan's Sidekick?

What’s the deal with Eumi Choi, the No. 2 to ousted U.S. Attorney Kevin Ryan? We’re hearing that the first assistant U.S. attorney has been sent down to be a line prosecutor. Not surprising, given that a new U.S. attorney such as recently appointed interim Scott Schools usually shakes up the top, especially in an office where prosecutors have frequently complained about management. But Choi didn’t have much to say today when asked whether her job description had changed. She said she’d talk with office spokesman Luke Macaulay about getting us an answer.

Speculation on Choi’s job status began last week, when she was listed on the indictment of the former McAfee general counsel as “assistant U.S. attorney.” And while the missing “first” may not signify anything, there’s consensus that the juiciest detail being discussed by lawyers inside and outside the Federal Building — the shredder bin that appeared last week outside Choi’s door — does.

The significance of the shredder bin? It turns out that when a first assistant is sent back down to the line, s/he generally changes offices. And in the U.S. attorney’s office, changing offices is generally preceded by long hours spent disposing of files you’ll no longer need.

—  Justin Scheck