Federal grand jury accuses James of bank fraud and false statements
A federal grand jury in Virginia has indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James on one count of bank fraud and one count of making a false statement to a financial institution. The indictment stems from a 2020 mortgage application related to a property in Norfolk, Virginia.
Prosecutors allege that James misrepresented the property as a secondary residence but later rented it out, benefiting from favorable financial terms worth approximately $18,900.
James, known for her previous legal actions against former President Donald Trump, described the charges as “baseless” and politically motivated. In a video statement, she said the case represents “a misuse of our justice system.”
Political context and official responses
The case has prompted discussion about potential political interference in federal prosecutions. According to court documents, a Republican career prosecutor initially found insufficient evidence to bring charges before being replaced by a new appointee.
Prosecutor Lindsey Halligan, who now oversees the case, stated that the alleged actions “constitute serious breaches of public trust” and that her office “will pursue justice according to the law.”
Defense attorney Abbe Lowell criticized the case as an “attack on judicial independence,” asserting that the charges are politically driven and pledging to contest them in court.
Upcoming court appearance
Letitia James is scheduled to appear in federal court on October 24. The indictment adds to a series of recent legal and political developments that have reignited debate over the relationship between the executive branch and the U.S. justice system.
