Grand jury dismisses new mortgage fraud charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James

NORFOLK, Va. The Justice Department was unable to obtain a fresh indictment against New York Attorney General Letitia James on Thursday, following the dismissal of a previous mortgage fraud case that had been promoted under President Donald Trump, according to an individual with knowledge of the situation.

After a judge halted the prosecution of James and former FBI Director James Comey, citing that the U.S. attorney responsible for presenting the cases had been improperly appointed, prosecutors returned to a Virginia grand jury. There remains a possibility that the Justice Department could attempt to present the cases again.

The source spoke anonymously due to not being authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

James was first charged in October by a U.S. attorney appointed during the Trump administration to replace the previous prosecutor, who had resigned under pressure to pursue criminal cases against both Comey and James. James has consistently denied any misconduct, claiming the actions were politically motivated attempts to target Trumps adversaries.

On Thursday, the Justice Department's efforts to secure a fresh indictment against New York Attorney General Letitia James were unsuccessful. This follows the dismissal of a previous mortgage fraud case, which had been initially promoted under the Trump administration. The case, which also involved former FBI Director James Comey, hit a roadblock when a judge ruled that the U.S. attorney overseeing the prosecution had been improperly appointed.

After the case was halted, prosecutors took the matter back to a grand jury in Virginia. However, the possibility remains that they might attempt to present the charges again. The Justice Department's approach raises questions about the strength and political nature of the charges against James, especially considering the timing of the initial charges and the involvement of a prosecutor appointed during Trump's presidency.

James, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, views the case as a politically motivated attack. She argues that the charges are part of a broader effort to target Trump’s political adversaries. As of now, the situation remains unresolved, and the potential for future legal action looms, with much of the legal community awaiting further developments.

Sources:

• Grand jury rejects new mortgage fraud indictment against New York Attorney General Letitia James