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FBI Opens Criminal Investigation into NY Attorney General Letitia James

Federal probe focuses on allegations of mortgage fraud involving Virginia and Brooklyn properties, with James calling the inquiry politically motivated retribution.

New York Attorney General Letitia James speaks during a news conference outside Manhattan federal court in New York on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 14: NY Attorney General Letitia James speaks as Connecticut Attorney General William Tong (L) listens on during a press conference on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at Manhattan Federal Courthouse on February 14, 2025 in New York City. James was joined by Tong for a press conference ahead of a scheduled court hearing as they discussed their ongoing lawsuit with 17 other state attorneys general to stop Elon Musk’s DOGE from accessing personal data housed in the Treasury Department. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
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New York State Attorney General Letitia James attends the National Action Network National Convention in New York City, U.S., April 4, 2025. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo

Overview

  • The FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office in Albany have launched a criminal investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James over allegations of falsifying mortgage documents.
  • The inquiry stems from a referral by FHFA Director William Pulte, a Trump appointee, alleging James misrepresented a Virginia home as her primary residence and understated units in a Brooklyn property to secure favorable loan terms.
  • James has denied the allegations, labeling them as baseless and part of a political 'revenge tour' by Donald Trump following her successful civil fraud case against him in 2024.
  • New York Democrats are advancing a $10 million taxpayer-funded legal defense fund for state officials, potentially including James, sparking criticism from Republican leaders who call it a misuse of public funds.
  • A federal grand jury in Virginia has reportedly issued subpoenas as part of the investigation, which could lead to charges such as bank fraud and wire fraud if evidence supports the claims.