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4w ago

Judge Disqualifies L.A. Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli as Unlawfully Serving

The ruling applies a strict reading of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and reflects a broader judicial pushback against extended acting tenures.

Acting US Attorney Bill Essayli talks with reporters Wednesday, October 29, 2025 following a judge’s ruling that disqualified him from acting as the US Attorney for Southern California.
Bilal A. "Bill" Essayli, United States Attorney for the Central District of California, speaks during a press conference at the FBI Los Angeles Field Office Federal Building, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., June 11, 2025. REUTERS/Aude Guerrucci
Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks as President Donald Trump listens during a roundtable on criminal cartels in the State Dining Room of the White House on Oct. 23, 2025, in Washington, as both face mounting scrutiny over disputed federal prosecutor appointments nationwide.
Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli gestures as Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell (R) looks on at a press conference announcing an arrest in the Palisades Fire investigation on October 08, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

Overview

  • U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright ruled that Bill Essayli unlawfully assumed the acting U.S. attorney role in the Central District of California and is disqualified from serving in that capacity.
  • The court declined to dismiss three challenged indictments, finding they were lawfully signed by other prosecutors and showed no due-process violations.
  • Seabright said Essayli may remain as First Assistant U.S. Attorney and perform that office’s duties, leaving day-to-day operations largely intact.
  • The opinion rejected DOJ’s maneuver that made Essayli first assistant and a special attorney just as his interim term expired, concluding the FVRA’s §3345(a) did not apply because he was not a Senate‑confirmed officer.
  • The decision follows similar rulings against Alina Habba in New Jersey and Sigal Chattah in Nevada, with appeals pending, and comes as a November 13 hearing is set on challenges to Lindsey Halligan’s status in Virginia.