Judge Tosses Comey, James Cases Over Unlawful Appointment

Title: Judge Tosses Comey, James Cases Over Unlawful Appointment
Slug: judge-tosses-comey-james-cases

A federal judge delivered a significant blow to cases brought against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James on Monday, ruling that the prosecutor overseeing the charges was unlawfully appointed. The decision effectively nullifies the criminal proceedings, marking a major victory for both prominent figures who had consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Federal Judge Cites Unlawful Appointment

U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, presiding over the Eastern District of Virginia, issued a definitive opinion concluding that Lindsey Halligan, designated by then-President Trump as the interim U.S. attorney for the region in September, lacked the proper authority to initiate the indictments. Judge Currie stated unequivocally in her written opinion that Halligan “had no lawful authority to present the indictment” against Comey and James.

The judge further elaborated that “all actions flowing from Ms. Halligan’s defective appointment” constituted “unlawful exercises of executive power and must be set aside.” This sweeping declaration underscores the procedural flaws that led to the dismissal, highlighting concerns about the legitimacy of the prosecutorial actions taken under Halligan’s interim appointment.

Background of the Charges

The cases in question stemmed from allegations that date back several years. James Comey, who previously headed the Federal Bureau of Investigation, had been charged with lying to Congress approximately five years ago. Letitia James, currently New York’s top legal officer, faced accusations of mortgage fraud. Both individuals had vehemently refuted the charges, consistently characterizing them as politically motivated attempts by the Trump administration to retaliate against perceived opponents of the president.

Implications and Future Prospects

Judge Currie’s ruling dismissed both cases “without prejudice.” This legal terminology means that, in theory, the government retains the option to re-file the charges. However, any such attempt would necessitate a properly appointed U.S. attorney to oversee the process, ensuring adherence to established legal protocols.

Complicating any potential revival of charges against Comey is the fact that the statute of limitations for his alleged crime reportedly passed on September 30, 2025. This timeline makes a new prosecution for Comey’s case difficult, if not impossible, further solidifying the impact of Monday’s dismissal.

Comey and James React to Vindication

Both James and Comey expressed profound relief and gratitude following the judge’s decision. Letitia James released a statement affirming her resolve. “I am heartened by today’s victory and grateful for the prayers and support I have received from around the country,” James said. She added, “I remain fearless in the face of these baseless charges as I continue fighting for New Yorkers every single day.”

James Comey, in a recorded video message, also lauded the court’s action. “I’m grateful that the court ended the case against me which was a prosecution based on malevolence and incompetence,” Comey stated. He emphasized the broader implications of the ruling, asserting, “This case mattered to me personally, obviously, but it matters most because a message has to be sent that the president of the United States cannot use the Department of Justice to target his political enemies.”

The judge’s decision serves as a powerful affirmation of judicial oversight and a potential deterrent against the perceived weaponization of federal prosecutorial powers for political ends. It closes a chapter on legal challenges that have cast a shadow over the careers of two prominent public figures, reinforcing the principle that legal proceedings must adhere strictly to lawful appointments and procedures.

Meta Description: A federal judge dismissed criminal cases against James Comey and Letitia James, citing an unlawfully appointed prosecutor. The ruling marks a significant victory for both, though re-filing remains a theoretical possibility.
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Source: The Guardian