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Letitia James Faces Bar Complaint After Judge Tosses Mortgage-Fraud Case on Procedural Grounds

The conservative group CASA asks New York’s attorney discipline panel to review her conduct under ethics rules.

Overview

  • Senior U.S. District Judge Cameron Currie dismissed the federal charges without prejudice, ruling that prosecutor Lindsey Halligan lacked lawful authority to secure the indictment.
  • The Department of Justice plans to appeal the ruling, leaving open the possibility that charges could be refiled.
  • The Center to Advance Security in America filed a complaint with the Manhattan and Bronx Attorney Grievance Committee alleging illegal and dishonest conduct related to James’ Norfolk, Virginia, mortgage.
  • The Oct. 9 indictment had accused James of falsifying documents to obtain a $109,600 loan and making false statements to a financial institution, allegations she denies.
  • Currie concluded the interim U.S. attorney appointment had lapsed and that local judges, not federal officials, should have named a temporary replacement before any cases were presented to grand juries.