A federal judge has quashed two subpoenas issued by the acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York, John Sarcone, in an investigation into New York State Attorney General Letitia James. The subpoenas sought records related to her previous investigations into President Donald Trump and the National Rifle Association.
Judge Lorna Schofield ruled that Sarcone's appointment as acting U.S. attorney was unlawful due to a lack of proper statutory requirements. She said his actions were "unlawful because it bypassed the statutory requirements that govern who may exercise the powers of a U.S. attorney."
Sarcone, a former Trump campaign lawyer, had never worked as a prosecutor before being appointed interim U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York last spring. After his 120-day interim term expired, judges in the district declined to permanently install him.
In an effort to keep Sarcone in his post, the previous U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi named him special attorney and designated him as the first assistant U.S. attorney in Albany. However, Judge Schofield rejected this argument, stating that federal law does not permit such a workaround.
The ruling is seen as a significant blow to the Trump administration's efforts to investigate James, who successfully brought fraud charges against Trump and his businesses. James' office has described the decision as an "important win for the rule of law."
Sarcone personally requested the subpoenas issued by his office in August, which sought records related to James' previous investigations into Trump and the National Rifle Association. However, Judge Schofield said that Sarcone's investigation is also politically motivated.
James denies the allegations against her, saying that she brought cases based on evidence. She has accused Republicans of trying to discredit her and has called for "accountability" for those who have investigated and brought charges against Trump.
The decision comes after a similar ruling in Virginia, where a judge threw out indictments against James due to concerns over the appointment of Lindsey Halligan as interim U.S. attorney.
Judge Lorna Schofield ruled that Sarcone's appointment as acting U.S. attorney was unlawful due to a lack of proper statutory requirements. She said his actions were "unlawful because it bypassed the statutory requirements that govern who may exercise the powers of a U.S. attorney."
Sarcone, a former Trump campaign lawyer, had never worked as a prosecutor before being appointed interim U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York last spring. After his 120-day interim term expired, judges in the district declined to permanently install him.
In an effort to keep Sarcone in his post, the previous U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi named him special attorney and designated him as the first assistant U.S. attorney in Albany. However, Judge Schofield rejected this argument, stating that federal law does not permit such a workaround.
The ruling is seen as a significant blow to the Trump administration's efforts to investigate James, who successfully brought fraud charges against Trump and his businesses. James' office has described the decision as an "important win for the rule of law."
Sarcone personally requested the subpoenas issued by his office in August, which sought records related to James' previous investigations into Trump and the National Rifle Association. However, Judge Schofield said that Sarcone's investigation is also politically motivated.
James denies the allegations against her, saying that she brought cases based on evidence. She has accused Republicans of trying to discredit her and has called for "accountability" for those who have investigated and brought charges against Trump.
The decision comes after a similar ruling in Virginia, where a judge threw out indictments against James due to concerns over the appointment of Lindsey Halligan as interim U.S. attorney.
. I mean, it's good that there's someone holding Sarcone accountable for his actions. It's not cool when people get appointed to positions without going through the proper channels. And let's be real, if a Republican is doing it, we should definitely call them out 
. James seems like a solid AG who's just trying to do her job. I'm glad she's getting support from all these judges and experts saying that Sarcone's investigation is shady 
. The rule of law matters, you know?
. It's clear he's in over his head, but I guess that's exactly why they let him slide.
. Meanwhile, we're left wondering if we can trust our institutions at all. The fact that James' office is calling this a win for the rule of law just seems like spin to me 
. Anyway, I guess this is just another reminder that in today's world, you've got to question everything 
[Sad Keanu] Laws are laws, bro... 
[Success Kid] You gotta follow the rules! 
[Overly Attached Girlfriend] Sarcone's investigation is SO suspicious... 
. And now James is going to get to continue doing her thing without any interference from Sarcone's office. That's definitely not a coincidence 
. Maybe we should all just take a deep breath and trust the rule of law, right? 
that Judge Schofield actually got it right for once! I mean, Sarcone's whole situation reeks of corruption - who appoints a former Trump campaign lawyer as acting U.S. attorney without following the proper procedures? It's like they're trying to cover up something 
. But seriously, it's crazy that James' office has been fighting against this for so long - I mean, come on, she just brought fraud charges against Trump himself! 
The Republicans are getting roasted for trying to discredit her, and rightly so 
. This whole situation is a perfect example of the kind of partisan politics that can lead to abuse of power 
.
This is insane! 