Overview
- The Campaign for Accountability filed complaints with the Florida and Virginia bars alleging Lindsey Halligan violated professional rules in prosecuting James Comey and Letitia James, including claims about probable cause, candor, and extrajudicial statements.
- Comey and James have moved to dismiss, arguing Halligan was unlawfully installed as interim U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia and that the prosecutions are vindictive or a stalking‑horse for presidential animus.
- Prosecutors have defended the cases and submitted response filings with exhibits they say contradict Comey’s prior testimony, while maintaining the charges are supported by evidence.
- A magistrate judge recently criticized the government’s approach in the Comey matter as “indict first, investigate second,” and accelerated discovery, with additional rulings on authority and motive still pending.
- Halligan, previously a personal lawyer to President Trump, secured the Comey indictment days after her appointment and the James indictment weeks later; both defendants pleaded not guilty as bar inquiries and court challenges proceed on separate tracks.