NY Attorney General Letitia James Pleads Not Guilty in Federal Bank Fraud Case

New York Attorney General Letitia James pleaded not guilty to federal bank fraud and making false statements charges connected to a 2020 property purchase in Virginia. The charges allege she misrepresented her intended use of the property to secure more favorable mortgage terms, potentially saving about $50 monthly. James and her defense team maintain that the prosecution is politically motivated and a tool of revenge by President Donald Trump, who recently called for her prosecution. The defense plans to challenge the legitimacy of the interim U.S. Attorney who filed the indictment, arguing her appointment was unlawful, a point also raised in a similar case against former FBI Director James Comey. The trial is scheduled for January 26, with motions to dismiss and claims of selective prosecution expected to be filed in the upcoming weeks. James emphasized that the case is about defending the justice system from being weaponized against officials who uphold the rule of law.