Judge Declares Trump’s Acting US Attorney Overseeing Letitia James Probe Unlawful
A federal judge has ruled against the acting US Attorney overseeing investigations linked to Letitia James, the New York Attorney General. Judge Lorna Schofield declared John Sarcone’s tenure unlawful, impacting ongoing criminal probes into James’ work regarding former President Donald Trump.
Details of the Ruling
The ruling, delivered on Thursday, nullifies grand jury subpoenas signed by Sarcone in August. These subpoenas sought information on investigations led by James, which Trump has contested. The judge emphasized that Sarcone’s authority is void as he was not legally appointed as the Acting US Attorney for the Northern District of New York.
Statements from the Court
- “Mr. Sarcone is not lawfully serving as Acting U.S. Attorney. Any of his past or future acts taken in that capacity are void,” wrote Judge Schofield.
- Schofield criticized the use of executive power to conduct criminal investigations against political adversaries as acting without lawful authority.
Background Context
This decision continues a trend of judicial disapproval of Trump’s US attorney appointments, following similar cases in New Jersey, Nevada, California, and Virginia. Courts have consistently ruled that Trump’s administration has bypassed federal appointment laws requiring Senate confirmation for US Attorneys.
The Implications of the Ruling
James’ office issued a statement praising the ruling as a win for the rule of law. This legal battle highlights the ongoing tensions between Trump’s administration and state-level investigations into his business practices.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March | Sarcone appointed as interim US Attorney by Attorney General Pam Bondi. |
| August | Sarcone signs subpoenas for investigations related to James and the NRA. |
| December | James’ legal team seeks to disqualify Sarcone from investigations. |
| Thursday | Judge Schofield issues ruling against Sarcone’s authority. |
Ongoing Legal Challenges
Letitia James has been involved in multiple legal disputes regarding Trump and his organization. In 2022, she sued Trump, alleging fraud in property valuations. A judge found Trump and his sons liable, imposing substantial financial penalties.
James has also faced scrutiny from federal prosecutors, culminating in an indictment that was later dismissed due to the invalid appointment of the US Attorney involved.
This ruling reinforces ongoing discussions about appointments and accountability within the federal legal system. It underscores the importance of adhering to laws governing the appointment of federal prosecutors.
