New York City, January 9, 2026
Federal prosecutors have initiated a criminal investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James, examining financial transactions with her longtime hairdresser, Iyesata Marsh. This scrutiny comes on the heels of prior legal challenges, including a dismissed indictment. The investigation centers on payments made during James’s 2018 campaign, with calls for transparency and concerns about political motivations being voiced from both supporters and critics.
Federal Prosecutors Initiate New Investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James
New York City – Federal prosecutors have launched a new criminal investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James, focusing on financial transactions involving her longtime hairdresser, Iyesata Marsh. This development follows previous legal challenges against James, including a dismissed indictment and declined charges.
Details of the New Investigation
The investigation centers on financial dealings between James and Marsh, particularly payments made during James’s 2018 campaign for attorney general. Reports indicate that James’s campaign paid Marsh $36,000 for services, including renting a Brooklyn studio as a temporary campaign office and event planning for a political event in Albany. Prosecutors are examining these transactions to determine if any financial misconduct occurred. Neither James nor Marsh has been accused of wrongdoing in these transactions. Marsh was recently indicted in Louisiana on charges unrelated to James, including bank fraud and aggravated identity theft related to a vehicle purchase. Marsh and her nephew have pleaded not guilty to these charges. James’s attorney has criticized the investigation, suggesting it is part of a political vendetta against her.
Legal Challenges to Previous Investigations
Earlier this week, a federal judge disqualified John Sarcone, the acting U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York, from overseeing investigations into James. U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield ruled that Sarcone had been unlawfully serving in his position, leading to the quashing of subpoenas he had issued. This ruling aligns with similar decisions nationwide against Trump-era appointees who remained in office via unconventional means.
Background on Previous Legal Actions
In October 2025, James was federally indicted on charges of bank fraud and making false statements related to a property purchase in Norfolk, Virginia. She pleaded not guilty, and the case was dismissed by a federal judge in November 2025. Subsequent grand juries declined to indict her on new charges, leading to criticism of the Justice Department’s actions as politically motivated.
Implications and Reactions
The initiation of this new investigation has raised concerns about the potential for further legal challenges against James. Critics argue that these actions may be part of a broader strategy to target political opponents. Supporters of James view the investigations as retaliatory measures. The outcomes of these legal proceedings could have significant implications for James’s political career and the broader political landscape.
Conclusion
The federal investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James, focusing on financial transactions with her longtime hairdresser, Iyesata Marsh, adds to the series of legal challenges she has faced. The legal community and the public await further developments to understand the full scope and impact of these proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the new investigation into Letitia James about?
The new investigation focuses on financial transactions between New York Attorney General Letitia James and her longtime hairdresser, Iyesata Marsh, particularly payments made during James’s 2018 campaign for attorney general.
What were the previous legal actions against Letitia James?
In October 2025, James was federally indicted on charges of bank fraud and making false statements related to a property purchase in Norfolk, Virginia. She pleaded not guilty, and the case was dismissed by a federal judge in November 2025. Subsequent grand juries declined to indict her on new charges.
Who is Iyesata Marsh?
Iyesata Marsh is a longtime hairdresser of Letitia James. She was recently indicted in Louisiana on charges unrelated to James, including bank fraud and aggravated identity theft related to a vehicle purchase. Marsh and her nephew have pleaded not guilty to these charges.
What was the outcome of the previous investigations into Letitia James?
Earlier this week, a federal judge disqualified John Sarcone, the acting U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York, from overseeing investigations into James. U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield ruled that Sarcone had been unlawfully serving in his position, leading to the quashing of subpoenas he had issued.
What are the potential implications of these investigations?
The investigations could have significant implications for James’s political career and the broader political landscape. Critics argue that these actions may be part of a broader strategy to target political opponents, while supporters view them as retaliatory measures.
Key Features of the Investigation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Investigation Focus | Financial transactions between Letitia James and Iyesata Marsh during James’s 2018 campaign for attorney general. |
| Previous Legal Actions | Indictment in October 2025 on charges of bank fraud and making false statements; case dismissed in November 2025; subsequent grand juries declined to indict on new charges. |
| Marsh’s Legal Status | Indicted in Louisiana on charges unrelated to James; pleaded not guilty. |
| Legal Ruling on Sarcone | Federal judge disqualified John Sarcone from overseeing investigations into James, ruling he was unlawfully serving in his position. |
| Potential Implications | Possible impact on James’s political career and broader political landscape; viewed by critics as targeting political opponents. |
Now Happening on X
- @MarioNawfal (Jan 9, 2026, 12:45 AM UTC): Federal prosecutors have launched a new criminal inquiry into NY AG Letitia James’s financial dealings with her longtime hairdresser Iyesata Marsh, examining past transactions amid ongoing scrutiny. View on X
- @Patriot_Deanna (Jan 9, 2026, 2:09 AM UTC): Federal prosecutors have opened a new criminal investigation into NY AG Letitia James over financial transactions with her hairdresser Iyesata Marsh, who was recently indicted in Louisiana for bank fraud and identity theft. View on X
- @JamesHartline (Jan 9, 2026, 1:34 AM UTC): Breaking: Federal prosecutors have initiated a new probe into New York AG Letitia James connected to her longtime hairdresser, with investigators focusing on past financial transactions. View on X
- @fud31 (Jan 8, 2026, 9:35 PM UTC): Federal prosecutors have launched a new probe into NY AG Letitia James linked to her longtime hairdresser, examining past financial transactions between James and Iyesata Marsh. View on X
- @Wyntre999 (Jan 8, 2026, 11:30 PM UTC): Federal prosecutors have opened a new investigation into NY AG Letitia James tied to financial transactions with her longtime hairdresser Iyesata Marsh, as reported by the New York Times and CBS News. View on X
- @TheKaterPotater (Jan 8, 2026, 11:29 PM UTC): Federal prosecutors have initiated a new probe into AG Letitia James regarding her financial transactions with longtime hairdresser Iyesata Marsh. View on X
- @AnnevanLeur (Jan 8, 2026, 9:05 PM UTC): Reports indicate DOJ prosecutors are investigating financial transactions between NY AG Letitia James and her hair stylist Iyesata Marsh, seen by some as a political vendetta amid collapsing prior cases. View on X
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