The lead prosecutor in the criminal case against former FBI director James Comey has withdrawn, according to a court filing on Friday. Matthew Petracca, a prosecutor from the US attorney's office for the eastern district of North Carolina, has been replaced by assistant US attorney Timothy Severo.
The justice department stated that the change was routine, citing resource balancing across civil and criminal dockets. A spokesperson said: 'This move has nothing to do with the merits of any case.' Petracca has moved to a civil position within the office.
Comey was indicted in April 2026 over a photograph of seashells arranged as '86 47', which prosecutors allege was a threat against President Trump. He faces two counts of threatening the president and transmitting a threat in interstate commerce, carrying a potential 10-year prison sentence. Comey has denied the charges, posting a video on Substack saying: 'I am still innocent. I am still not afraid.'
The case follows a failed prosecution of Comey for allegedly lying to Congress, which was dismissed due to a wrongful appointment of a prosecutor. Legal experts have criticised the latest charges as weak and politically motivated, with former inspector general Michael Bromwich noting 'the descent to the bottom at DoJ has accelerated'. Comey's trial is set for 21 October in North Carolina.
