The lead prosecutor in the criminal case against former FBI director James Comey has withdrawn, according to a court filing on Friday. Matthew Petracca, a prosecutor from the US attorney's office for the eastern district of North Carolina, has been replaced by assistant US attorney Timothy Severo.
A justice department spokesperson said the move was unrelated to the merits of the case, citing resource balancing across civil and criminal dockets. Petracca shifted to a civil position that recently became available.
Comey was indicted in North Carolina in April 2026 over a photograph of seashells arranged as '86 47', which prosecutors claim was a threat against President Trump, the 47th US president. He faces two counts of threatening the president and transmitting a threat in interstate commerce, carrying up to 10 years in prison.
Comey has maintained his innocence, posting a video on his Substack stating, 'I am still innocent. I am still not afraid. And I still believe in the independent federal judiciary.' His trial is set to begin on 21 October in North Carolina.
Former prosecutors have described the charges as weak and linked to the ambitions of acting attorney general Todd Blanche, who replaced Pam Bondi. Legal experts suggest further charges may be brought against other Trump opponents.
