Former Deputy U.S. Marshal Cory Novick was stripped of his career, not because of misconduct, but because he told the truth.

While serving as a Deputy Marshal, Novick testified in the high-profile prosecution of Metropolitan Police Officer Terence Sutton. That case — itself a politically charged prosecution — depended on portraying Sutton’s conduct as reckless and indifferent. But Novick, called as a government witness, did what every law enforcement officer is sworn to do: he testified truthfully. His testimony was consistent with standard policing practice and directly undermined the narrative federal prosecutors wanted to advance.                                                                                             

For that, Novick paid the price. Shortly after his testimony, and without warning, explanation, or any record of disciplinary issues, Novick was abruptly placed on the so-called “Lewis list” — a secretive designation of officers whose credibility the government claims is impaired. Placement on that list ended his service with the Marshals. He was never given notice. Never given a hearing. Never even told the factual basis for the action.

This was not about integrity. It was not about credibility. It was retaliation — plain and simple — for testimony that conflicted with a political prosecution.

The decision came during the Biden Administration, under the leadership of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. In their drive to secure convictions in the Sutton case, prosecutors abused the Lewis list as a weapon against one of their own witnesses, effectively ending a law enforcement officer’s career for doing the right thing.

If this stands, the precedent is devastating: any officer who testifies truthfully but fails to support the government’s case can be destroyed. That is not justice. That is politics. And it sends a chilling message to every law enforcement officer who might be called to the stand.

Cory Novick’s record speaks for itself. He served as a Metropolitan Police officer, a Calvert County Deputy Sheriff, and later as a Deputy U.S. Marshal. He has no history of misconduct. His only “offense” was telling the truth.

This is a gross miscarriage of justice. The misuse of the Lewis list to retaliate against a government witness is as dangerous as it is unlawful. Novick deserves reinstatement, restoration of his career, and full exoneration. Anything less rewards political abuse and undermines the very foundation of the justice system.