Letitia James Hires Abby Rowell Amid Mortgage Fraud Charges

New York Attorney General Letitia James has brought on Abby Rowell, a seasoned D.C. attorney known for defending Hunter Biden, to help navigate serious allegations of mortgage fraud.

James was indicted on Thursday in Virginia, facing accusations of submitting false information on mortgage documents, which allowed him to save around $19,000 on a loan.

Rowell, a preferred attorney for well-known Democrats in legal trouble, released a statement asserting that James “categorically and forcefully denies these charges.”

He expressed concerns that the case may be motivated by political revenge from former President Trump, particularly in light of James’ prior civil case against him.

Rowell is also representing Lisa Cook, a member of the Federal Reserve Board, who is suing the Trump administration for alleged wrongful termination linked to mortgage fraud accusations.

Rowell has gained notoriety for taking on challenging cases, including representing Biden in various legal issues. Biden had been previously convicted on charges related to gun possession and tax evasion but was pardoned by President Biden before leaving office.

Additionally, Rowell recently defended former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, who is currently appealing his conviction and is serving an 11-year sentence for bribery.

Menendez was found guilty last summer for accepting significant bribes in exchange for benefits to wealthy businessmen and foreign governments.

Despite Rowell’s high-profile clientele, his recent track record has raised questions about his outcomes. Former prosecutor Neema Rahmani suggested that the nature of these cases likely led to unfavorable results, stating, “These cases were losers no matter who was defending them.”

Rahmani emphasized that in criminal defense, particularly in federal cases, losing is often expected; acquittals are not the norm.

He highlighted the challenges James faces, particularly regarding statements about his primary residence in Virginia, which seem questionable at best.

James is charged with bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution, with potential penalties that could include up to 60 years in prison and $2 million in fines.

According to prosecutors, James purchased a home in Norfolk, Virginia, in August 2020 for around $137,000, taking out a loan that complicated rental arrangements. They claim he indicated it as a second home in loan paperwork, but later classified it as a rental property on tax documents.

James is the second political figure opposing Trump to be indicted recently. Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted last month for allegedly lying to Congress regarding Trump campaign ties to Russia.

Both James and Comey allege these indictments are retaliatory actions for their roles in investigations involving Trump.

James previously won a lawsuit against Trump for inflating his real estate values, but he successfully appealed the ruling.

James described the current charges as part of a continued effort by Trump to misuse the justice system for personal revenge.

Comey pleaded not guilty and expressed in court that he feels deep concern for the Department of Justice.

His attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald, plans to seek dismissal of the charges, arguing they are vindictive and improperly initiated by U.S. Attorney Lindsey Harrigan, who was recently appointed following Trump’s removal of the previous attorney.

James is set to make his first court appearance regarding this case on October 24.

Rowell has not provided any comments as of Friday.