Letitia James Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Mortgage and Bank Fraud Charges, Citing Political Motivation
New York Attorney General Letitia James pleaded not guilty to federal mortgage and bank fraud charges, alleging political motivation by the Trump administration; her trial begins January 26.
New York AG Letitia James Pleads Not Guilty
Daily Caller
Letitia James pleads not guilty to charges in mortgage fraud case
Washington Examiner
Letitia James to be arraigned on federal mortgage fraud charges
Washington Examiner
Overview
- New York Attorney General Letitia James pleaded not guilty to federal charges of mortgage fraud, bank fraud, and making false statements in a recent court hearing.
- The charges stem from her 2020 home purchase in Norfolk, Virginia, where she allegedly misrepresented the property as a secondary residence to secure a lower interest rate.
- James asserts the indictment is politically motivated retribution by the Trump administration, her frequent adversary, with President Trump criticizing her and calling for her resignation.
- Her felony trial is scheduled to begin on January 26, where she faces potential penalties of up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
- Judge Jamar Walker presided; James's defense plans a motion to dismiss, alleging selective prosecution and ethical violations by the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story by emphasizing the political motivations behind the indictment of Letitia James. They consistently highlight President Trump's role in initiating the prosecution and the unusual circumstances surrounding the appointment of the U.S. attorney, suggesting a campaign of retribution. This collective editorial choice casts doubt on the legitimacy of the charges.
"James has accused Trump of weaponizing the justice department in the case against her."
BBC News"James has often sent her money to cover some of the expenses, the memo concluded, according to sources familiar with its contents."
ABC News"The indictment alleges that James misrepresented how she would use a house she bought in Norfolk in 2020, in order to obtain a lower interest rate on her mortgage."
CBS News"James is charged with one count of bank fraud and one count of making false statements to a financial institution."
NBC News"James was indicted earlier this month on charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution in connection with a 2020 home purchase in Norfolk, Virginia."
ABC News"James's lawyers called Halligan's messages to Bower "unusual and improper," and "a stunning disclosure of internal government information.""
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Center (6)
FAQ
Letitia James pleaded not guilty to federal charges including mortgage fraud, bank fraud, and making false statements to a financial institution related to her 2020 home purchase in Norfolk, Virginia.
The charges allege that Letitia James falsely represented her 2020 Norfolk, Virginia home as her primary residence in order to secure better loan terms with a lower interest rate.
Letitia James denies any wrongdoing and claims the indictment is politically motivated retribution orchestrated by the Trump administration as part of a weaponization of the justice system against his political foes.
The felony trial for Letitia James is scheduled to begin on January 26, 2026, with an expected duration of about five days, and she faces potential penalties of up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
Judge Jamar Walker is presiding over the case, and Letitia James's defense plans to file a motion to dismiss on grounds of selective prosecution and ethical violations by the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney handling the indictment.
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