Letitia James Indicted Amid Rising Political Tensions
New York Attorney General Letitia James now faces federal charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution. She becomes the second political figure in two weeks to face prosecution following President Donald Trump’s public call for the Justice Department to move swiftly against his political rivals.
James, who successfully sued Trump for civil fraud last year and leads multiple lawsuits challenging his policies, strongly denies wrongdoing.
Charges Announced by Trump-Appointed U.S. Attorney
Lindsey Halligan, the newly appointed U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, announced the indictment Thursday. James is set to appear in Norfolk, Virginia, on October 24.
Halligan replaced Erik Siebert, who had reportedly doubted there was evidence to prosecute James or former FBI Director James Comey. Sources told ABC News that Siebert and other career prosecutors found no clear proof James knowingly committed mortgage fraud, yet Trump officials pressured Siebert to pursue charges.
Trump himself acknowledged his uncertainty in September, saying:
“It looks to me like [James] is very guilty of something, but I really don’t know.”
James Denounces Political Retaliation
James called the indictment political retaliation. She stated:
“This is nothing more than a continuation of the president’s desperate weaponization of our justice system. He is forcing federal law enforcement agencies to do his bidding, all because I did my job as the New York State Attorney General.”
She added:
“These charges are baseless, and the president’s own public statements show his goal is political retribution at any cost.”
Allegations and Investigation
Prosecutors claim James misled a bank to secure better loan terms by falsely stating that a property would be her primary residence, while allegedly planning to rent it out for profit.
However, sources told ABC News that after a five-month investigation and interviews with over a dozen witnesses, prosecutors found no clear evidence of wrongdoing.
Halligan defended the case, saying:
“No one is above the law. The charges represent intentional criminal acts and serious breaches of the public’s trust. The facts and the law are clear, and we will follow them to ensure justice is served.”
Wider Context: Pattern of Pressure
Last month, Halligan also indicted James Comey on charges related to false statements and obstruction concerning his 2020 Senate testimony, following Trump’s public demand for immediate prosecutions of Comey, James, and Senator Adam Schiff.
Trump publicly pressured the Justice Department on social media:
“Nothing is being done. What about Comey, Adam ‘Shifty’ Schiff, and Leticia?? We can’t delay any longer… JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!”
Comey has pleaded not guilty and plans to seek dismissal for what his team calls vindictive prosecution.
