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20m ago

Comey Pleads Not Guilty as Judge Sets Jan. 5 Trial in Virginia

Defense will challenge interim prosecutor Lindsey Halligan’s appointment, alleging selective prosecution.

Portrait of Former FBI Director James Comey on April 13, 2018 in Washington, DC, USA.
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This courtroom sketch depicts US District Michael Nachmanoff, at federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia, on October 10, 2019.
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Overview

  • U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff, a Biden appointee, was randomly assigned to preside in Alexandria.
  • Comey was released on his own recognizance with no conditions, and his defense is led by former U.S. attorney Patrick Fitzgerald.
  • The defense plans motions to dismiss for selective or vindictive prosecution, to contest Halligan’s appointment, and to allege abuse of the grand jury.
  • The indictment followed public calls by President Trump to prosecute Comey, while DOJ insiders have questioned the case’s strength and described a key witness as problematic.
  • Lindsey Halligan, installed after Erik Siebert’s departure, is leading the prosecution as out-of-district lawyers step in and the government cites substantial classified discovery.