Grand Jury Rejects Reindictment of Letitia James

A grand jury has rejected the reindictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James. This decision came shortly after a federal judge dismissed earlier charges against her. The grand jury’s deliberation on this matter took place on Thursday.

Details of the Case Against Letitia James

The grand jury was convened just ten days after Judge Cameron McGowan Currie invalidated the initial indictment against James. This ruling stated that the prosecutor assigned to the case, Lindsey Halligan, was unlawfully appointed as an interim U.S. attorney.

Halligan’s appointment, according to the judge, violated legal standards regarding interim positions. The judge noted that indictments against both James and former FBI Director James Comey were unlawful due to the improper appointment of Halligan. However, the dismissal was “without prejudice,” meaning the Justice Department could seek to recharge James in the future.

Implications of the Dismissal

• James, who pleaded not guilty to charges of making false statements and bank fraud, has faced significant political scrutiny.
• Federal prosecutors are still exploring whether to pursue the case again, demonstrating the ongoing nature of this legal battle.
• James and Comey’s defense teams have raised concerns about selective prosecution, emphasizing the former President Donald Trump’s public calls for their legal actions.

Trump has stated on social media that he believes James and others are guilty, although the Justice Department maintains that Trump’s comments did not direct legal actions against them.

Background on Lindsey Halligan’s Appointment

Halligan’s role was challenged based on the legal framework governing interim U.S. attorney appointments. Judge Currie cited that Halligan’s appointment started the legal clock when her predecessor was installed, ultimately leading to an unlawful extension of her term.

The specific timeline indicated that once Erik Siebert’s appointment ended on May 21, 2025, Halligan’s position also ended. This error has made her the latest in a series of Trump-appointed U.S. attorneys whose appointments were previously deemed unlawful.

Future Actions

The Justice Department has not ruled out the possibility of reindicting James. Although the grand jury declined to proceed now, the case remains open for future actions.

As developments continue, both James and Comey remain under legal scrutiny in a politically charged environment. Their legal teams underscore concerns regarding the independence of the Justice Department amid external pressures.

This situation will be monitored closely as further updates emerge. El-Balad will provide ongoing coverage of this evolving legal landscape.