Federal Judge Rules Acting US Attorney Bill Essayli Serving Unlawfully in Los Angeles

A federal judge ruled that Bill Essayli, acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, has been unlawfully serving since July 31 due to exceeding the legal limit for his acting role under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act. Although disqualified from supervising several criminal prosecutions, Essayli retains his position as First Assistant U.S. Attorney and may continue performing duties in that capacity. The judge declined to dismiss indictments under Essayli's oversight, as they were signed by other government attorneys, and noted no due process violations occurred. This ruling aligns with similar decisions disqualifying other Trump-appointed acting U.S. attorneys, including Sigal Chattah in Nevada and Alina Habba in New Jersey, reflecting legal challenges to extended tenures beyond 120 days without Senate confirmation. Despite the court's decision, Essayli has stated he will continue serving as the top federal prosecutor in the district, expressing commitment to advancing President Trump's and Attorney General Bondi's agenda. The Department of Justice has appealed other similar rulings, but Essayli's status remains uncertain pending further actions by Trump and Bondi.