Letitia James Indicted on Fraud Charges
New York Attorney General Letitia James has been indicted by a federal grand jury on fraud charges, marking her as the second prominent opponent of President Trump to face criminal allegations following her outspoken criticism of him.
This indictment originates from an investigation into possible mortgage fraud in Virginia, according to reports from unnamed sources.
James has been under scrutiny from Trump after she accused him of civil fraud and targeted his business interests.
She previously secured a judgment of nearly $500 million against Trump, as a judge determined he and other parties had exaggerated his net worth for various financial benefits, jeopardizing his billionaire status and enterprises.
The allegations against James come from the Federal Housing Finance Agency, where the director, Bill Pulte, made a complaint. He claimed she represented her Virginia home as her main residence while serving in public office there.
“At the time of the 2023 purchase and mortgage of the property in Norfolk, Virginia, Ms. James, as the current Attorney General of New York, is obligated by law to maintain her principal residence in New York State, despite her mortgage application indicating an intention to make the Norfolk property her primary residence,” the referral stated.
It also noted, “Misrepresentations tied to James’ real estate dealings may have persisted into her recent property purchase, potentially to secure better interest rates and financing conditions.”
Similar charges have been filed against California Senator Adam Schiff and Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook.
In Cook’s situation, Trump used the referral as justification for dismissal, with Cook now appealing to the Supreme Court. A discussion regarding this matter is set for January.
These charges arrive just weeks after former FBI Director James Comey was indicted on two felony counts related to his congressional testimony in 2020.
Comey made a court appearance in Alexandria, Virginia, recently, where he pleaded not guilty through his attorney. A trial is slated for January 5, although Comey’s legal team has indicated they will file several motions aimed at undermining the prosecution before then.
