Federal judge dismisses case against former FBI officials over alleged false statements to Congress
A magistrate judge ruled there was no probable cause to prosecute two former FBI intelligence specialists accused of lying to Congress about the Biden family investigation, describing the case as unfounded.
A federal magistrate judge dismissed a criminal case against two former FBI intelligence specialists who had been charged with making false statements to Congress. The judge said the prosecution lacked probable cause because the alleged false statements were either not false or were not supported by evidence of intent to deceive.
Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui said the case was built on assumptions and originated at the direction of President Donald Trump, adding that it appeared to be "weaponization" and could serve as "marketing material for people not to join the FBI."
The defendants, Nikki Floris and Bradley Benavides, faced a single count each of making a false statement. During the hearing, the judge noted that an FBI agent testified there was no evidence of motive for the officials to lie about the Hunter Biden laptop investigation, and no proof that Republican lawmakers’ inquiry was affected by the defendants’ testimony.
"Without motive, without direct motive, I have nothing" to support a finding of probable cause, the judge said.
The investigation into the former officials began after President Trump publicly criticized officials who questioned an FBI report on alleged Chinese interference in the 2020 election. FBI Director Kash Patel subsequently sent a letter requesting an investigation into possible conspiracy charges.
FBI agent Bryan Witt testified that internal agency officials were regularly briefed on the case, but he found no evidence of a deep-state conspiracy to suppress information about the Biden family. He also said the staff member used to assess the defendants’ testimony had not attended the relevant interviews.
The judge highlighted that the charges were rushed close to the 2026 midterm elections and emphasized that the lack of motive undermined the case.
Dozens of former FBI personnel, including former Acting Director Brian Driscoll, attended the hearing. The dismissal marks the end of a high-profile legal effort that critics described as politically motivated.