Justice Manual § 1-13.120

Major developments in significant investigations and litigation may include the following events:

Initiation of investigation;

Filing of criminal charges (complaint, information, or indictment);

Arrest of defendants;

Filing of a civil complaint by or against the United States;

Plea, trial, verdict, or settlement; and

Sentencing.

Please note that the list above is not exhaustive and that major developments can include other steps between the initiation and conclusion of a matter or case. For example, a USAO or Department litigating division should report the following events when the events are likely to receive national media coverage or Congressional attention:

Execution of a search warrant;

Interview of a significant witness;

Appearance of a significant witness before a grand jury or at a deposition;

Significant motions and adverse rulings; and

Significant post-conviction or post judgment litigation, including appeals.