Former FBI Director James Comey has been charged with perjury in a congressional hearing. The 64-year-old Comey was formally charged in September. He pleaded not guilty in a preliminary hearing in Alexandria, Virginia.
Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, led the prosecution of Trump that led to his conviction on fraud charges. She has also been charged with bank fraud and providing false information regarding a mortgage.
She has also pleaded not guilty in an initial trial.
Trump's personal lawyer
Both prosecutions have been led by prosecutor Lindsey Halligan, who previously served as Trump's personal lawyer. Halligan has little experience as a prosecutor, yet Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed her to the role in a controversial appointment.
Representative Erik Siebert left the post after he informed the Justice Department that there was insufficient evidence to indict Comey.
The legal cases took a new turn on Monday, when Federal District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie decided to dismiss the charges because prosecutor Halligan was improperly appointed by the US Department of Justice.
Required fast process
Prosecutors at this level are usually approved by the US Senate, which was not the case in Halligan's case.
“The Attorney General’s attempt to appoint Ms. Halligan as interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia was invalid,” the judge declared, dismissing the two charges against Comey and James with immediate effect.
US President Donald Trump and his government were clear that legal proceedings would be expedited against the two, both of whom are considered political opponents of Trump.
