The source says, “Hynes basically did everything he could to make Ken Thompson’s life a living hell.” Neither Hynes nor Thomson had any comments on this particular issue.
It is unclear what was contained on the many documents destroyed by Hynes. It is possible that there are links to criminal actions based on the recent revelations. The Department of Investigation revealed last week that Hynes illegally used office resources and public funds to pay for his failed re-election campaign.
District Attorney Thompson is left with the fear of not knowing what was lost exactly. Sources say that the shredded documents were likely case files. Thompson is concerned that files are missing that may be important for him to use in the future.
Hynes was resentful of losing to Thompson after a fierce battle in the primary and general election last year. Sources say he did little to help make a smooth transition for Thompson into the district attorney’s office. Hynes repeatedly postponed meeting with Thompson, and eventually met with him once for a half hour.
Hynes’ disrespect for Thompson came to public attention when emails sent by Hynes to his associates were published by the New York Times. The emails were sent during the campaign and included Hynes bashing Thomson. In one e-mail Hynes goes as far as to call Thompson “a clown”.
In March 2013 Hynes wrote, “I’m not sure I understand Thompson’s strategy. Overall I think I benefit from the ancient adage that you can’t beat someone with no one.”
By the end of that same year Hynes was replaced by Thomson in the Brooklyn District Attorney office.