(Washington, D.C.) A U.S. federal judge dismissed criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General John James, dealing a blow to President Trump's efforts to prosecute political opponents. The White House said it will appeal the case.
South Carolina District Judge Curry ruled on Monday (November 24) that the appointment of Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and former White House advisor, Michelle Halegan, who filed the two criminal charges, was illegal, rendering all her actions since taking office invalid, including signing the indictments against Comey and James.
White House Press Secretary Levitt said the Justice Department will appeal the ruling. She also said, "Halegan's appointment was legal, that's the government's position."
Comey (64) welcomed the dismissal, saying it sends a message that the president cannot use the Justice Department to attack political enemies. James, a Democrat (67), also welcomed the ruling and emphasized that the charges against her were baseless.
Comey and James have been longtime adversaries of Trump. Comey, who was previously dismissed as FBI director for investigating potential ties between Trump's 2016 campaign and the Russian government, was charged in September with making false statements and obstructing Congress.
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James had previously successfully sued Trump and his family's real estate company on charges of fraud. In October of this year, she was charged with bank fraud and making false statements to financial institutions.
