Sources say US Justice Dept considering new indictments of Trump's adversaries Comey and James

WASHINGTON, Dec 1 The U.S. Justice Department is considering the possibility of bringing new charges against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, following the dismissal of their cases by a federal judge last week, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

The department might move forward with fresh indictments against Comey and James as early as this week, although the exact timing remains uncertain, the sources said, speaking anonymously due to the confidential nature of the deliberations. Representatives for James were unavailable for comment, while Comeys attorney declined to provide a statement.

Last week, a federal judge dismissed the criminal proceedings against both individualswho have been seen as political adversaries of former President Donald Trumpafter ruling that the indictments were initiated by a U.S. Attorney appointed in violation of federal law. U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie concluded that the Trump-era Justice Department breached the Constitutions Appointments Clause by installing Lindsey Halligan in September as interim U.S. Attorney for Virginias Eastern District.

Halligans predecessor had resigned after questioning the evidence in both cases. Halligan presented the evidence to the grand juries on her own, as career prosecutors in her office opted not to participate. Curries decision allows the Justice Department the option to pursue new charges.

Both Comey and James have long been targets of Trumps criticism. Comey oversaw the investigation into alleged connections between Trumps 2016 campaign and Russia before being dismissed in 2017. James, a Democratic official, previously sued Trump and his familys real estate business for fraud successfully.

Comey had pleaded not guilty to accusations of making false statements and obstructing Congress, linked to claims of lying and leaking information to the media. James pleaded not guilty to charges of bank fraud and providing false information to a financial institution. Halligan alleged that James had submitted misleading mortgage documents to obtain more favorable loan terms.

Both defendants have described the prosecutions as politically motivated and retaliatory actions stemming from Trumps personal animosity. It remains uncertain if prosecutors could pursue a new case against Comey regarding the same alleged conduct. The five-year statute of limitations for the charges expired on September 30, and Comeys legal team has suggested in court filings that there may be no remaining time to refile the charges.

Author: Sophia Brooks