The U.S. Justice Department is prosecuting fewer white-collar criminals now than at any time since records back more than 30 years ago, a new report says. Federal prosecutions of white-collar criminals plunged in January to the lowest level on record, falling 25% from the levels reached just five years ago, says a study from Syracuse University.

The 5,702 white-collar prosecutions recorded last year are expected to fall to 5,175 this year, if current levels of prosecutions persist, the study added. Records go back to 1986 during the Reagan administration when there were 7,843 white-collar prosecutions.

…

Others said they’re disappointed by the findings in TRAC’s report. “It’s disturbing,” said David Sklansky, a professor of law at Stanford University co-director of the Stanford Criminal Justice Center, and a former Assistant District Attorney. “It’s a matter of concern that federal prosecutions of white-collar fraud have declined so precipitously.”

Sklansky said that white-collar crime had traditionally been prosecuted by the federal government because the cases could be so complex. “When the U.S. Attorney’s offices file fewer of these cases, that slack is unlikely to be picked up by district attorneys or state prosecutors,” he said.

…

Professor Sklansky said, “TRAC is a very reputable organization. I think their tally of the statistics can be trusted.”