Federal Judge Tosses Criminal Cases Against Letitia James & James Comey, Citing “Illegally Appointed” Prosecutor

A federal judge has thrown out the criminal cases against New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey, ruling that the prosecutor who brought the charges had no legal authority to do so — instantly collapsing two of the administration’s most politically explosive indictments.

U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie ruled Monday that Lindsey Halligan, installed to run the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Virginia, was appointed after the attorney general’s statutory authority to name an interim federal prosecutor had already expired.

Because Halligan — and Halligan alone — presented the cases to the grand jury and signed the indictments, the judge said every action she took was void. With that, all charges were dismissed without prejudice, meaning the government could theoretically refile if a properly appointed prosecutor decides to pursue them.

Letitia James Celebrates the Decision

James, who pleaded not guilty to mortgage and bank fraud charges, called the ruling a victory and thanked supporters nationwide.

“I am heartened by today’s victory and grateful for the prayers and support I have received from around the country,” she said. “I remain fearless in the face of these baseless charges as I continue fighting for New Yorkers every single day.”

Her attorney Abbe Lowell said the ruling confirms what their team has insisted from the start — that DOJ leadership installed a political loyalist to push “unfounded” charges after career prosecutors declined to move forward.

A Collision of Politics and Prosecution

Legal observers have widely viewed the cases against James and Comey as part of an unprecedented retribution effort targeting officials who previously confronted or challenged the sitting president. The dismissals now reignite concerns about how far any administration can push the Justice Department without shattering long-standing norms.

Judge Currie’s decision underscores that those norms — and the laws governing them — are not mere technicalities.

What Comes Next

The White House is expected to appeal, but for now the ruling halts what had become one of the most closely watched legal battles in the country.

James and Comey walk away — at least temporarily — from charges that could have reshaped their careers and reputations. The Justice Department, meanwhile, faces renewed scrutiny over political interference and procedural overreach.

More importantly, the judge’s ruling signals a stark reminder: even in turbulent times, the machinery of federal law still requires lawful operators.