Federal Judge Disqualifies Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli in Three Cases

A federal judge has disqualified acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli from overseeing three criminal cases in Southern California, ruling that his tenure exceeded the 120-day limit set by federal law. U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright determined that Essayli has been unlawfully serving in his role since his interim appointment expired on July 29.

This decision marks another instance where the Trump administration's efforts to extend acting U.S. attorneys' terms beyond the statutory limit have been challenged. Similar rulings have occurred in Nevada and New Jersey, where judges found acting U.S. attorneys Sigal Chattah and Alina Habba serving beyond their legal terms. However, in Chattah's case, the judge temporarily paused the disqualification pending an appellate court's review.

Under federal law, if a permanent U.S. attorney is not nominated and confirmed within 120 days, the federal district court judges can appoint an interim attorney until the vacancy is filled. Essayli has not been confirmed by the U.S. Senate. His office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.