Neil Fowler, a United States Attorney (a federal prosecutor)…

Neil Fowler, a United States Attorney (a federal prosecutor) was prosecuting Terry Melvin for trafficking in cannabis (marijuana).  Ms. Melvin was arrested in Stuart, Florida.  During a pretrial hearing (in the United States District Court in Fort Pierce), Mr. Fowler stated that Ms. Melvin “was a drug dealer and operated one of the largest marijuana operations in Florida.”  Ms. Melvin wishes to sue Mr. Fowler for defamation of character (intentionally injuring her reputation).  Is Mr. Fowler immune from a civil lawsuit for defamation?  Explain your answer.