BREAKING: A federal judge has just dismissed criminal mortgage fraud charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James. This pivotal ruling, announced on Monday, October 23, 2023, declares that the prosecutor behind the case lacked proper authority to file the indictment.
Judge Cameron McGowan Currie highlighted that prosecutor Lindsey Halligan, who charged James with bank fraud and false statements related to a property, was “improperly appointed.” The judge’s statement underscores a significant legal misstep, stating Halligan had “no lawful authority to present the indictment.”
This development marks a critical setback for former President Donald Trump, who has leveraged federal resources to target his political adversaries. James, known for her robust stance against Trump, expressed her relief and gratitude in a statement, saying, “I am heartened by today’s victory and grateful for the prayers and support I have received from around the country. I remain fearless in the face of these baseless charges as I continue fighting for New Yorkers every single day.”
In a broader context, this ruling not only impacts James but also echoes a recent dismissal of charges against former FBI Director James Comey, also by Judge Currie. Trump’s administration had previously replaced the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia with Halligan after publicly criticizing the former prosecutor for not pursuing action against both James and Comey.
Currie’s decision raises questions about the motivations behind Halligan’s appointment, as she is described in court documents as “a former White House aide with no prior prosecutorial experience.”
The U.S. Department of Justice has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding this ruling.
As this story develops, updates will follow on the implications of this ruling for both James and the ongoing discourse around political prosecutions. Stay tuned for more urgent updates as this situation evolves.
