Overview

• U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell found Chattah is not validly serving as acting U.S. attorney, calling her participation in the four prosecutions unlawful.
• The indictments were not dismissed, and prosecutors must certify within seven days that Chattah is not directing the cases.
• Chattah’s 120-day interim term began in March, then DOJ reassigned her as first assistant in July so she would serve as acting U.S. attorney, a maneuver the court said the vacancies law does not permit.
• The Justice Department has defended its personnel moves as lawful and declined comment following the order.
• The decision tracks a recent New Jersey ruling disqualifying Alina Habba from cases, signaling broader judicial resistance to similar appointment tactics.