In a significant legal development, a federal judge has dismissed criminal cases against former FBI director James Comey and New York attorney general Letitia James after determining the prosecutor handling their cases was unlawfully appointed.
Judge Rules Prosecutor Lacked Authority
Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, who was appointed to the bench by Bill Clinton, concluded that Lindsey Halligan had no lawful authority to present the indictment against the two prominent figures. Halligan had been named interim US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia by the Trump administration in September 2025.
In her written opinion, Judge Currie stated: "I conclude that the attorney general's attempt to install Ms Halligan as interim US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia was invalid and that Ms Halligan has been unlawfully serving in that role since 22 September 2025."
Background of the Cases
The decision represents a major victory for both officials, who had faced serious charges. James Comey was charged with lying to Congress five years ago, while Letitia James faced allegations of mortgage fraud. Both had consistently denied any wrongdoing and characterised the cases as politically motivated attempts by the Trump administration to punish them for opposing the president.
The dismissal effectively ends these particular legal battles for both Comey and James, though the judge's ruling focused specifically on the procedural irregularity of Halligan's appointment rather than the merits of the cases themselves.
Broader Implications
This ruling highlights ongoing concerns about the proper administration of justice and the potential for political interference in legal proceedings. The judge's decision to throw out the cases based on the unlawful appointment of the prosecutor underscores the importance of following proper legal procedures, even in politically charged cases involving high-profile figures.
Both Comey and James have been significant figures in American politics in recent years, with Comey's firing as FBI director and James's various legal actions against the Trump administration generating substantial media attention and political controversy.
