New York Attorney General Letitia James pleaded not guilty on Friday to two felony charges—bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution—in a federal court arraignment in Norfolk, Virginia. The charges stem from the 2020 purchase of a home in Norfolk, which prosecutors allege James misrepresented as a secondary residence to secure more favorable loan terms.
The indictment states that James claimed the property would be her secondary residence, but instead rented it out to a family, a misrepresentation that allegedly allowed her to obtain a lower interest rate, saving her nearly $19,000 over the 30-year life of the loan. James entered the plea herself before U.S. District Judge Jamar K. Walker.
James’ legal team includes defense attorney Abbe Lowell and Andrew Bosse, a former assistant U.S. attorney based in Norfolk.
The indictment against James, like the recent indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, was presented to a grand jury by Lindsey Halligan, a former White House aide installed last month by the President as the acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, replacing an interim attorney who reportedly resigned under pressure to bring charges against James and Comey.
“This is nothing more than a continuation of the president’s desperate weaponization of our justice system,” James said in a statement after she was indicted. “These charges are baseless, and the president’s own public statements make clear that his only goal is political retribution at any cost.”
“There is no fear today. No Fear. No Fear. No Fear. No Fear,’ said James. “Because I believe justice will rain down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Halligan defended the prosecution, stating, “No one is above the law. The charges as alleged in this case represent intentional, criminal acts and tremendous breaches of the public’s trust. The facts and the law in this case are clear, and we will continue following them to ensure that justice is served.”
Following the arraignment, James’ legal team is expected to file motions to dismiss the case. These motions will likely argue for vindictive and selective prosecution, mirroring steps taken by Comey’s legal team, and challenge the lawfulness of Halligan’s appointment in securing her indictment.
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