New York Attorney General Letitia James now faces a bar complaint from a conservative watchdog group. The filing came shortly after a judge dismissed her federal mortgage fraud case.
The Center to Advance Security in America submitted the complaint to the Manhattan and Bronx Attorney Grievance Committee. The group demanded an immediate investigation into James’ conduct.
Curtis Schube, the center’s research director, said attorney discipline considers honesty, misrepresentation, fraud, and trustworthiness. He argued James should face consequences if evidence confirms the claims.
Judge Dismisses Charges Over Authority Issues
James gained a temporary victory on Monday when Senior U.S. District Judge Cameron Currie dismissed the charges. The judge ruled that special attorney Lindsey Halligan had no legal authority to bring the indictment.
Halligan worked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office but never received formal confirmation. Currie said this lack of approval made the indictment invalid.
The dismissal did not end the matter. The Trump Justice Department may appeal and refile the charges.
Details of the Alleged Mortgage Fraud
Prosecutors accused James of falsifying loan documents for a $109,600 mortgage on a Norfolk, Virginia home. She listed the house as her primary residence, but her grandniece lived there.
The loan would have produced nearly $19,000 in extra gains, according to the indictment.
Her ethics filings from 2020 to 2023 listed the Norfolk home as an investment property. She valued it between $100,000 and $150,000 and reported yearly income up to $5,000.
In 2024, James changed the home’s status to real property and reported no income. This shift came after FHFA Director Bill Pulte referred the issue to the DOJ. The referral also mentioned a second Norfolk property owned by James.
Several legal experts said the reporting changes raised serious transparency concerns.
Political Pressure Rises as Case Continues
Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi said the DOJ will pursue every legal option. She called James’ alleged actions “unlawful conduct.”
A conviction could bring up to 60 years in prison and $2 million in fines. The bar complaint now adds professional pressure to her legal troubles.
James released a statement after the dismissal. She thanked supporters, denied wrongdoing, and said she remains “fearless” in serving New York.
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