Washington D.C. - Thomas More Society announced today that its client, Paul Vaughn, has reached a settlement with the federal government after being singled out and targeted by the Biden Department of Justice for his pro-life beliefs. This included a predawn FBI raid on his family’s home and a federal prosecution all stemming from praying, singing hymns, and peacefully protesting at an abortion facility in Tennessee.

Vaughn, a devoted Christian father of 11 and pro-life advocate, was among a wave of Americans singled out and prosecuted under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act by the Biden Department of Justice because of their pro-life views. Armed FBI agents descended on his home in the early morning hours, terrifying his family—including his children—in a show of force that was grossly disproportionate to his alleged crime.

Vaughn was eventually convicted of a misdemeanor FACE violation as well as a felony Conspiracy Against Rights violation, even though his only involvement in the event consisted in serving as a messenger between the police and the peaceful protestors. On January 23, 2025, Vaughn and 23 other pro-life advocates were pardoned by President Trump while his case was on appeal.

With this settlement, the federal government has now affirmed the Biden DOJ’s and FBI’s actions were an abuse of government power.

The settlement brings long-overdue justice to Vaughn and his family and comes in the wake of the Trump administration’s courageous decision to reverse course on politically motivated prosecutions targeting people of faith and instituting new DOJ policy guidance making clear that peaceful pro-life prayer and protest activity are protected by the First Amendment and will no longer be treated as federal crimes.

“This family did nothing wrong. Paul prayed and sang. He bore witness to his faith and for that, the full weight of the federal government was brought crashing down on his front door before the sun rose,” said Steve Crampton, Senior Counsel at Thomas More Society. “What was done to Paul and his family was a profound injustice, and we are grateful that this settlement acknowledges that. We also commend the Trump Department of Justice for having the courage to look at what its predecessor did, call it what it was—an abuse of power—and change course. No American should ever again have to fear an FBI raid for praying and offering hope to women in need.”

Vaughn expressed relief, gratitude, and a determination that his family’s ordeal is not suffered by others.

“My family has been through a traumatic ordeal that never should have happened. But today brings an end to this portion of the story,” said Paul Vaughn. “I am grateful to the members of this Department of Justice who were willing to look honestly at what the prior administration did to our family and so many others and attempt to make it right. I am grateful to President Trump for the pardon that restored my good name, Thomas More Society for their tireless defense, and the countless people who stood with us in prayer. This chapter is finally closed, and our family looks forward with gratitude and hope, as we continue to serve God, advocating for the most vulnerable among us without fear.” Thomas More Society has represented dozens of pro-life clients targeted under the FACE Act in recent years, arguing consistently that the Biden DOJ selectively and aggressively pursued people of faith engaging in constitutionally protected activity.

“This settlement is not just about one family,” added Crampton. “It is a warning and a precedent. The weaponization of federal law enforcement against pro-lifers, against people of faith, against those who dare to stand for the unborn—that era is over. At Thomas More Society, we believe every life deserves a defense and we will fight with every legal avenue possible to continue that mission.”