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16h ago

Judge Disqualifies Albany U.S. Attorney, Tosses Letitia James Subpoenas Over Unlawful Appointment

The court found DOJ personnel moves after John Sarcone’s 120‑day interim term violated federal appointment law.

ALBANY, NY - APRIL 28: U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York John A. Sarcone III at a news conference to announce the arrest of an accused online sexual predator on Monday, April 28, 2025.
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New York Attorney General, Letitia James, speaks after pleading not guilty outside the United States District Court on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, in Norfolk, Va.
New York Attorney General Letitia James speaks to the media outside the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, in Norfolk, Virginia, U.S., October 24, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo

Overview

  • The ruling voids two August grand-jury subpoenas seeking records from James’ office about her civil cases against President Donald Trump and the NRA.
  • Judge Lorna G. Schofield barred John Sarcone from any further role in the two New York investigations.
  • After district judges declined to extend his 120-day term, Attorney General Pam Bondi reinstalled Sarcone via title shifts that the court said the statute does not allow.
  • The decision aligns with rulings in New Jersey, Virginia, Nevada and California disqualifying other Trump-installed prosecutors.
  • Justice Department lawyers maintain Sarcone’s appointment was lawful and could attempt to reissue subpoenas through a properly authorized official; no related federal charges have been filed.