Judge disqualifies acting U.S. attorney in James probe
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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.
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.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Trump administration used unconventional appointment methods for some acting U.S. attorneys.
- 2. John Sarcone assumed acting U.S. attorney duties in the Northern District of New York.
- 3. Sarcone issued subpoenas seeking information related to Letitia James’ lawsuits against Trump and the NRA.
- 4. Letitia James challenged Sarcone’s authority in federal court.
- 5. Judge Lorna G. Schofield quashed the subpoenas and disqualified Sarcone as unlawfully serving.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
