Federal Judge Dismisses Cases Against James Comey and Letitia James Due to Unlawful Prosecutor Appointment

A U.S. federal judge has dismissed the criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, ruling that the prosecutor who brought the charges was unlawfully appointed.

Judge Cameron McGowan Currie determined that Lindsey Halligan, appointed as interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, lacked the legal authority to prosecute the cases. Halligan, a former personal lawyer to President Donald Trump, assumed the role in September without prior prosecutorial experience. The judge found that her appointment violated the U.S. Constitution's Appointments Clause and federal law.

The dismissals come after both Comey and James challenged the legitimacy of Halligan's appointment, arguing that the prosecutions were politically motivated. Judge Currie dismissed the cases without prejudice, allowing the Justice Department the option to seek new indictments with a properly appointed prosecutor. However, the statute of limitations may impede further prosecution, particularly in Comey's case.

In response to the ruling, Letitia James stated, "I am heartened by today's victory and grateful for the prayers and support I have received from around the country." James Comey expressed gratitude that the court ended the case against him, describing the prosecution as "based on malevolence and incompetence."

The Justice Department, under Attorney General Pam Bondi, plans to appeal the decision, asserting that Halligan's appointment was lawful. The ruling underscores concerns over the politicization of prosecutions and the importance of adhering to proper legal procedures in appointing federal prosecutors.