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FIRST ON FOX: A consulting firm, operating under the radar, is reportedly shaping policies and messaging for progressive prosecutors across the United States, as highlighted in a detailed report obtained by Fox News Digital.
The Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund has announced the release of a report alleging that a criminal justice reform group known as the Wren Collective has played a pivotal role in guiding at least 40 progressive prosecutors across 22 states. These efforts reportedly encompass various aspects of their policies, public messaging, and legal strategies, as outlined in the Fox Digital report titled “Outsourcing Justice.”
This report unveils the depth of influence wielded by the Wren Collective in the campaigns and ongoing policy development of certain district attorneys. Specifically, the document claims that these prosecutors have fostered close relationships with the group, participating in regular strategy meetings, receiving advice on key policy matters, and, in some instances, signing non-disclosure agreements regarding their collaboration.
The Wren Collective is a for-profit organization launched in 2020, spearheaded by Texas attorney Jessica Brand, who serves as its executive director. According to its official mission, the organization aims to replace ineffective solutions related to crime and safety with approaches that prioritize victim support. The Collective comprises a team of specialists dedicated to designing, promoting, and advocating policies grounded in empirical evidence and compassion.
Despite its stated goals, the aforementioned report accuses the Wren Collective of exerting influence that surpasses its publicly professed intentions.
Deep Ties and Influence Peddling
Among the assertions made in the report is the claim that the group has engaged in an “influence-peddling operation.” This term describes the increased access certain donors and influential activists have had to the district attorneys’ offices, suggesting that the actions of these elected officials might not stem from voter priorities or local input. Instead, they appear to be driven by the interests of a select few.
The report indicated that approximately 100 progressive district attorneys have been elected across the country since 2015, with Wren Collective staff allegedly embedded in at least 40 of these offices. These conclusions are based on a compilation of over 50,000 pages of emails, campaign finance filings, and tax documents, which reveal a pattern of close collaboration between the Collective and these liberal prosecutors.
Prominent figures identified as “hatchlings” of the Wren Collective include former San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin, former Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon, and Travis County, Texas District Attorney Jose Garza.
Evidence of Coordination
The report cites a notable email exchange between a Wren Collective attorney and Multnomah County District Attorney-elect Mike Schmidt. The email, dated June 2020, included model policies aimed at abolishing bail and curbing jail populations, as well as an outline of ways the Wren Collective could assist in his new role.
The correspondence detailed various areas where the organization could provide support, from staffing and office management to communications strategies and specific policy assistance. Notably, the email stated that the assistance would come “without any billing or publicity” and emphasized that any policies developed would belong to the district attorney rather than the Collective.
Insights from the Report
In an extensive compilation of documents from open records requests, the report established communication patterns between 40 progressive prosecutors and the Wren Collective. This list was constructed through cross-referencing names and communications to illustrate the extent of collaboration.
Jessica Brand responded to the report, defending the Wren Collective’s activities by arguing that their work remains transparent and well-documented on their website. She criticized the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund for the report’s findings, suggesting that this focus detracts from addressing broader issues like mental health challenges in law enforcement.
Crisis Management Support
Additionally, the report revealed that the Wren Collective assisted former Loudoun County, Virginia Commonwealth Attorney Buta Biberaj during her handling of a high-profile sexual assault case. This case drew national attention in 2021 when the victim’s father vocally criticized the school system during a school board meeting, resulting in a confrontation with law enforcement.
In the aftermath, Biberaj sought assistance from the Wren Collective regarding communication strategies, with the group reaching out to offer support directly following the incident. Documents indicated that Biberaj engaged with the Collective, although she ultimately lost her re-election campaign in 2023.
Non-Disclosure Agreements and Political Campaigns
Furthermore, the report uncovered a non-disclosure agreement between the Wren Collective and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office in Texas, signed in 2022. Within this document, the terms clarify confidentiality regarding the professional engagement between the parties involved, preventing the disclosure of information without authorization.
As political consultants, the Wren Collective reportedly influences the campaigns of progressive district attorneys and their affiliated political action committees. These collaborations often involve assisting candidates with media communications, fundraising, and overall campaign strategy.
Fox News Digital attempted to reach out to multiple parties including Garza’s office as well as others like Biberaj, Schmidt, and Boudin, for their perspectives regarding the report’s findings.
Emerging Insights into Political Influence
The report concludes by highlighting that many newly elected district attorneys often lack extensive experience, leading them to seek guidance from external organizations like the Wren Collective. It asserts that the support provided by such organizations goes beyond simple advice; it encompasses a calculated influence that molds the policies and practices of these prosecutors.
Ultimately, these developments raise significant questions about the interplay of external influences in the justice system and the implications for accountability and transparency within the offices of elected district attorneys across the nation.
Fox News Digital’s Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report.
