CRIME & LAW

Judge disqualifies acting U.S. attorney in James probe

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Sources: 6

Left 17%

Center 50%

Right 33%

Sources: 6

60-Second Summary

ALBANY, N.Y. — U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield disqualified acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone Thursday, ruling he served unlawfully when requesting subpoenas in investigations into New York Attorney General Letitia James. Schofield quashed subpoenas Sarcone issued seeking information about lawsuits James filed against former President Donald Trump and the National Rifle Association. The judge found the Department of Justice failed to follow statutory appointment procedures after judges declined to extend Sarcone's tenure. The decision aligns with other federal rulings invalidating certain Trump-era prosecutor actions and halts Sarcone’s participation in those probes. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

About this summary

This 60-second summary was prepared by the JQJO editorial team after reviewing 6 original reports from Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, Newsday, PBS.org, thespec.com, vinnews.com and Internewscast Journal.

Timeline of Events

Trump administration used unconventional appointment methods for some acting U.S. attorneys.
John Sarcone assumed acting U.S. attorney duties in the Northern District of New York.
Sarcone issued subpoenas seeking information related to Letitia James’ lawsuits against Trump and the NRA.
Letitia James challenged Sarcone’s authority in federal court.
Judge Lorna G. Schofield quashed the subpoenas and disqualified Sarcone as unlawfully serving.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 3

Who Benefited

Letitia James and her legal team benefited because the judge quashed subpoenas and disqualified the acting U.S. attorney, halting immediate federal investigatory steps tied to her lawsuits and preserving ongoing litigation positions.

Who Impacted

The Department of Justice and prosecutors appointed via the contested Trump-era procedures suffered legal setbacks as courts found appointment processes improper, invalidating subpoenas and limiting prosecutorial actions in active investigations.

Expert Opinion

After reading and researching latest news.... The court ruling voids subpoenas issued by John Sarcone and disqualifies his participation, citing unlawful appointment. The decision follows similar federal findings about Trump-era acting U.S. attorney appointments, limiting DOJ investigative authority and affecting ongoing probes into Letitia James’ litigation involving Trump and NRA.

Media Bias