Politics | Alberto Gonzales Gonzales Could Face Charges DOJ report may recommend criminal prosecution for former AG By Jonas Oransky Posted Oct 26, 2007 7:08 PM CDT Copied A teary-eyed outgoing Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, looks on during a farewell ceremony, Friday, Sept. 14, 2007, in the Great Hall at the Justice Department in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) (Associated Press) Alberto Gonzales might soon find himself on an unlikely side of the law if a pending DOJ report recommends criminal charges against the former AG for lying under oath. Pending prosecution may even explain Gonzales' unexpected departure, Slate’s Dahlia Lithwick speculates. Now he’s hired a criminal-defense attorney and stopped talking to DOJ investigators. The report "is going to be an extremely negative report on President Bush's Justice Department," said one of the US attorneys allegedly fired for political reasons. Gonzales is also under investigation for improper hiring practices, the warrantless surveillance program, and efforts to influence Senate testimony. The inspector general can't bring charges, but can refer findings or recommend a special prosecutor be named. Read These Next Keith Urban interview ends after Nicole Kidman question. Sean Combs jury reaches a decision on all charges. Bryan Kohberger has admitted his guilt. Red Sox player is just the 6th player to register rare HR combo. Report an error