Federal Judge Dismisses Comey, James Indictments Amid Legal Chaos

URGENT UPDATE: A federal judge has just dismissed criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, citing that the prosecutor behind the indictments was illegally appointed. This ruling, delivered by U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, represents a significant setback for the Trump administration’s attempts to go after its political adversaries.

The judge’s decision highlights the controversial appointment of Lindsey Halligan, a former White House aide with no prior prosecutorial experience, who was installed by President Donald Trump after the abrupt ousting of another interim U.S. attorney. The ruling not only dismisses the cases against Comey and James but raises questions about the legitimacy of recent legal actions taken by the Trump administration.

The charges against Comey included making a false statement and obstructing Congress, while James faced allegations related to mortgage fraud. Both defendants had sought a dismissal with prejudice, preventing any future prosecutions. However, Judge Currie dismissed the cases without prejudice, leaving the door open for the Justice Department to potentially revive them.

The legal drama began in September 2023 when Halligan was appointed amidst intense pressure from Trump to take action against Comey and James. In a now-infamous social media post, Trump declared, “JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!” just days before Comey’s indictment. This context underscores the politically charged atmosphere surrounding these cases.

Comey has long been a prominent figure in Trump’s narrative, particularly following the FBI’s investigation into potential collusion between Trump’s campaign and Russia during the 2016 election. His contentious history with Trump escalated after he was fired in May 2017, leading to years of public disputes.

James, who has also faced Trump’s wrath, previously secured a staggering judgment against him, alleging fraud against banks by inflating the value of his real estate holdings. Although an appeals court overturned a massive fine that had exceeded $500 million, it upheld a lower court’s finding of fraud.

The dismissal of these indictments is part of a broader trend, as judges have disqualified several interim U.S. attorneys in different states due to similar concerns about their appointments. However, cases brought under their watch have generally continued. Comey and James’s legal teams argued that Halligan’s direct involvement in the indictments warranted a more decisive ruling against the legitimacy of the charges.

As this situation continues to unfold, observers are left wondering what the Justice Department’s next move will be. The implications of this ruling are profound, not only for Comey and James but also for the integrity of the legal processes used to target political opponents.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as the legal landscape surrounding these high-profile figures evolves.