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3h ago

Letitia James Indicted on Federal Mortgage Charges in Virginia

Reports say newly appointed U.S. attorney Lindsey Halligan brought the case without alerting DOJ leadership.

Chris Hayes; Letitia James
FILE - New York Attorney General Letitia James speaks during a news conference outside Manhattan federal court, Feb. 14, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File)
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Attorney General Pam Bondi swears in for an oversight hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)

Overview

  • James was charged with bank fraud and making false statements tied to a 2020 Norfolk mortgage, with prosecutors alleging she claimed a second home to secure better terms and saved about $18,933 over the life of the loan.
  • Halligan, a recent Trump appointee and former Trump lawyer with no prior federal prosecutorial experience, personally presented the case to a grand jury after her predecessor reportedly resisted bringing charges.
  • James denies wrongdoing and calls the case political retribution, and she is scheduled to appear in federal court on Oct. 24 before Judge Jamar Walker.
  • Democratic leaders, including Sen. Chuck Schumer and Gov. Kathy Hochul, defended James, while DOJ statements emphasized that the alleged conduct constitutes intentional criminal acts carrying steep statutory penalties.
  • Legal analysts and some career prosecutors questioned the case’s strength, citing hurdles in proving James’s intent and ambiguity in second-home rider terms and relevant Fannie Mae guidance.