Federal Judge Disqualifies Bill Essayli as Acting U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles

A federal judge has disqualified Bill Essayli from serving as acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, ruling that he unlawfully assumed the role. U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright determined that Essayli's authority expired on July 29, 2025, and that he has been serving unlawfully since then.

"Simply stated: Essayli unlawfully assumed the role of Acting United States Attorney for the Central District of California," Seabright wrote in his decision. "He has been unlawfully serving in that capacity since his resignation from the interim role on July 29, 2025. Essayli may not perform the functions and duties of the United States Attorney as Acting United States Attorney. He is disqualified from serving in that role."

The ruling affects Essayli's supervision of three criminal cases but does not dismiss the indictments, as other prosecutors lawfully signed them. This decision follows similar rulings in New Jersey and Nevada, where acting U.S. attorneys were disqualified for exceeding their interim terms.

Under federal law, if a permanent U.S. attorney is not nominated and confirmed within 120 days, district court judges can appoint an interim successor. Essayli, appointed by Attorney General Pam Bondi in April, has not been confirmed by the Senate.

Essayli's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.