News Summary
New York Attorney General Letitia James has pleaded not guilty to federal bank fraud charges during her arraignment in Norfolk, Virginia. Facing one count of bank fraud and one count of making false statements, James is accused of misrepresenting her residence to obtain favorable mortgage terms. Following her plea, the trial date was set for January 26. Critics suggest the charges are politically motivated, with James emphasizing broader issues within the justice system. Her legal team plans to contest the charges vigorously and will seek to dismiss the case in early December.
New York – New York Attorney General Letitia James has pleaded not guilty to federal bank fraud charges during an arraignment held in Norfolk, Virginia. The proceedings took place on a Friday before U.S. District Judge Jamar K. Walker. James is facing one count of bank fraud and one count of making false statements to a financial institution.
The indictment alleges that James misrepresented her Norfolk residence as a second home to secure favorable mortgage terms. Prosecutors argue that she rented out the property instead of residing there, which led to a monthly mortgage saving of approximately $50. Following her plea, the judge scheduled a trial date for January 26, estimating the trial to last around five days. James was released on her own recognizance after the arraignment.
The lone prosecutor present during the hearing was Lindsey Halligan, who previously served as Trump’s personal attorney and was the only signatory on James’ indictment. James’ legal team plans to challenge the charges, asserting claims of selective and vindictive prosecution. A motion to dismiss the case will be heard on December 5.
Following her court appearance, James received cheers from her supporters. She maintained that the case signifies a broader issue of the justice system being weaponized against individuals. She emphasized her commitment to justice while stating that this case extends beyond her personal circumstances.
The legal action against James comes in the wake of a public call from former President Donald Trump to investigate her and other political adversaries. Notably, she is the third high-profile critic of Trump to face federal criminal charges in recent weeks, joining John Bolton and James Comey, both also arraigned recently. Throughout her tenure since 2016, James has actively challenged Trump’s business practices, including a significant civil fraud suit that resulted in an initial judgment of $450 million against him, which Trump is currently appealing.
The timing of Halligan’s appointment as U.S. attorney was surrounded by controversy, particularly as it followed pressure from Trump to take action against opponents like James and Comey. Both James’ and Comey’s cases had previously stalled under the supervision of Halligan’s predecessor, who resigned amidst scrutiny related to these investigations. James is also expected to file a motion contesting the legality of Halligan’s appointment as part of her defense strategy.
The charges pertain to a home purchase made in 2020, where prosecutors allege that James misled financial institutions to obtain better loan conditions. The fallout from the indictment underscores the ongoing and contentious relationship between Trump and James, who has consistently scrutinized his real estate dealings and business operations throughout her tenure as Attorney General.
As this case unfolds, attention will be focused on the upcoming trial and motions, which are poised to reflect the continuing political and judicial tensions that characterize the current landscape.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Letitia James
- The Guardian
- Google Search: Letitia James mortgage fraud case
- USA Today
- Google News: Letitia James arraignment
- Fox News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Letitia James
- NBC News
- Google Scholar: Letitia James bank fraud
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
