Grand jury declines to re-indict Letitia James in Virginia
In a notable turn of events, the Department of Justice (DOJ) failed to secure an indictment against New York Attorney General Letitia James after a federal judge dismissed the initial indictment last week. This decision came from Judge Cameron Currie, who ruled that the prosecutor responsible for the first indictment, Lindsey Halligan, had been unlawfully appointed as interim U.S. attorney. Following this ruling, the DOJ attempted to persuade a grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia to indict James a second time, but ultimately, the grand jury declined to bring any charges. This outcome is particularly significant given that it is uncommon for grand juries to find insufficient probable cause for charges, especially in politically charged cases involving high-profile figures like James, who has been a prominent critic of former President Donald Trump.
The failure to re-indict James represents a considerable setback for the DOJ, which has faced scrutiny over its handling of the case. There is speculation that the DOJ may still pursue charges against James, as indicated by sources who reported that prosecutors plan to continue their efforts to re-indict her. However, James’ attorney, Abbe Lowell, characterized the grand jury’s decision as a “decisive rejection” of what he called a baseless case. He emphasized that the indictment should never have been filed, arguing that it was a politically motivated attack stemming from Trump’s administration. Lowell’s remarks highlight the contentious nature of the case, suggesting that any further attempts to indict James would not only undermine the rule of law but also damage the integrity of the justice system.
In the context of ongoing political tensions, the implications of this case extend beyond the courtroom. With James previously facing charges of bank fraud in Norfolk, Virginia, and maintaining her innocence throughout the process, the unfolding situation underscores the intersection of law and politics in America. The DOJ’s pursuit of charges against a state attorney general known for her aggressive investigations into Trump and his associates raises questions about the motivations behind such legal actions. As the situation develops, observers will be keenly watching how the DOJ navigates this complex landscape, particularly in light of the political ramifications and the potential for further legal challenges.
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The
Department of Justice
failed to bring an indictment against Letitia James on Thursday after a federal judge tossed the initial indictment last week, according to a DOJ source.
The DOJ attempted to persuade a grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia to indict James a second time, the source said, after
Judge Cameron Currie
found that the prosecutor who brought the first indictment, Lindsey Halligan, was serving unlawfully as interim U.S. attorney.
The revelation that a grand jury did not indict James, one of President Donald Trump’s top political foes, is a blow to the DOJ as it is rare that grand juries do not find enough probable cause to bring charges.
It is possible the DOJ could attempt to bring charges again. Fox News is told that prosecutors intend to continue the effort to re-indict James.
FEDERAL JUDGE DISMISSES JAMES COMEY, LETITIA JAMES INDICTMENTS
“I’d say don’t celebrate just yet,” one source said.
The attempt to re-indict the state attorney general also marks a shift for the DOJ after Attorney General
Pam Bondi
and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt vowed to immediately appeal the judge’s finding that Halligan was an invalid appointee and that James’ indictment was therefore also invalid.
COMEY DENIES CHARGES, DECLARES ‘I AM NOT AFRAID’
James’ attorney, Abbe Lowell, said the grand jury’s refusal to re-indict James was a “decisive rejection” of a case he said should have never even existed.
“A federal court threw this case out after President Trump illegally installed a U.S. Attorney to file baseless charges against Attorney General James that career prosecutors refused to bring,” Lowell said in a statement to Fox News. “This should be the end of this case. If they continue, undeterred by a court ruling and a grand jury’s rejection of the charges, it will be a shocking assault on the rule of law and a devastating blow to the integrity of our justice system.”
James was previously charged with bank fraud in Norfolk, Virginia. She pleaded not guilty and had argued the charges should be dismissed on numerous grounds.
Fox News Digital reached out to the DOJ for comment.
