Court Disbars U.S. Attorney in New York

A federal judge, appointed by former President Barack Obama, issued a ruling on Thursday that disbanned John Sarcone from his position as U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York.

In a further blow to Sarcone, Judge Lorna Schofield nullified a subpoena that his office had directed at state Attorney General Letitia James in August. This subpoena was linked to a civil case involving the Empire State against President Donald Trump and the National Rifle Association.

Schofield stated that Sarcone acted “without legal authority.”

Sarcone had been investigating possible violations of civil rights by James’ office concerning the president and others.

Appointed as interim U.S. attorney by Attorney General Pam Bondi on February 28, Sarcone’s official term began on March 1. Since he was not formally nominated or confirmed, the responsibility fell to a panel of judges overseeing the Northern District of New York to appoint a new attorney at the end of his term, just a month after he faced a knife threat reportedly from an undocumented individual.

Although Sarcone wasn’t granted a permanent role by the committee, Bondi appointed him as special counsel and first assistant U.S. attorney, effectively keeping him in control of the office.

In her ruling, Schofield asserted that Sarcone’s appointment likely “violates the law,” which undermined his status as acting U.S. attorney for the district. She also emphasized that when the executive branch bypasses Congressional checks, using its power to investigate political adversaries, it is acting outside its legal bounds.

Further commenting on the situation, she suggested that Sarcone had overstepped his authority in directing the subpoena’s issuance and that it should be rendered void.

A representative from James’ office stated that the ruling is a significant victory for the principle of law, emphasizing their commitment to continue defending against what they see as political attacks from the current administration.