US Attorney Investigating NY Attorney General Asked to Resign Amid Trump Push
TL/DR –
Erik Siebert, the US attorney investigating mortgage fraud allegations against New York Attorney General Letitia James, has been told to resign or be fired. This comes amid a push from Trump administration officials to level criminal charges against James, who has been accused of paperwork discrepancies on her Brooklyn townhouse and a Virginia home. The Department of Justice has yet to bring charges, with James’ lawyers describing the investigation as politically motivated, and there are concerns that this move is a further attempt by the Trump administration to use the department’s powers for retribution.
The U.S. attorney, Erik Siebert, who’s office has been investigating mortgage fraud allegations against New York Attorney General Letitia James is being forced to resign, sources close to the matter told the Associated Press. This comes as Trump administration officials push to bring charges against James, perceived as an adversary.
The dismissal of Siebert, a long-standing prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia, has not been officially addressed. Motives behind the decision and Siebert’s potential replacement remain unknown.
Key Points
- U.S. attorney Erik Siebert, investigating mortgage fraud allegations against NY Attorney General Letitia James, has been forced to resign.
- Trump administration officials pursue allegations against James related to paperwork discrepancies on her Brooklyn townhouse and a Virginia home.
- The Justice Department’s months-long investigation has yet to bring charges, with no concrete evidence for an indictment.
No comments were received from Siebert’s office or the Justice Department on Friday. Allegations against James are related to alleged irregularities in paperwork regarding her Brooklyn townhouse and a Virginia home.
This move to replace Siebert is seen as an attempt to expedite criminal charges. James’ lawyers contest the allegations, describing the investigation as politically motivated retaliation.
James has been a subject of contention for Trump, as her civil lawsuit against him and his company resulted in substantial financial penalty. This penalty was recently thrown out by an appeals court, confirming Trump’s fraudulent exaggeration of his wealth.
In an unusual turn, Ed Martin, leading the Justice Department’s investigation, had sent a letter suggesting James’ resignation to show “good faith”.
James’ lawyer, Abbe Lowell, denounced the request as violation of Justice Department standards and professional responsibility in a letter.
Siebert, former DC police officer, joined the Eastern District of Virginia in 2010 and was nominated by Trump as U.S. attorney this year. His removal continues a trend of disregarded norms in the Trump administration, as seen in previous dismissal of prosecutors.
This investigation springs from a letter by Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William Pulte to Attorney General Pam Bondi, alleging James’ falsification of bank documents and property records.
Pulte accused James of lying about the number of apartments in her Brooklyn townhouse, an issue further complicated by conflicting city records and building permits.
—
Read More US Political News