Letitia James Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Charges Tied to 2020 Property Purchase

New York Attorney General Letitia James, known nationally for her legal battles against former President Donald Trump, appeared in federal court in Norfolk, Virginia, on Friday morning to face charges connected to her 2020 purchase of a second home. The attorney general entered a plea of not guilty to two felony counts — one for bank fraud and another for making false statements to a financial institution.

The arraignment took place before Judge Jamar Walker in the Eastern District of Virginia. Calm but firm, James responded to the court’s inquiry with, “Not guilty, judge, to both counts.” Each charge carries a potential maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.

Federal prosecutors allege that James provided misleading information to a financial institution to secure a more favorable mortgage rate on a property she purchased in Norfolk. The indictment claims that key details about her income and the property’s intended use were misrepresented in the loan documentation, though defense attorneys have strongly disputed that characterization.

In a statement following the court appearance, James called the charges “baseless and politically motivated,” pointing directly to what she described as the president’s “continued weaponization of the justice system against his political opponents.”

“This is a desperate attempt to punish anyone who has ever stood up to him,” she said, referring to President Trump. “I have full faith that when the facts are presented in court, I will be completely vindicated.”

A Political and Legal Flashpoint

The indictment against James is the latest in a series of prosecutions targeting high-profile public figures, some of whom have been outspoken critics of the administration. Sources familiar with the case told Fox News that several veteran prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia voiced objections to pursuing charges against James and former FBI Director James Comey. Both cases have reportedly caused internal turmoil, leading to multiple resignations and firings within the district’s Norfolk office.

Former White House aide Lindsey Halligan, who was recently appointed by President Trump as acting U.S. attorney for the district, led the grand jury presentation that resulted in the indictment. Missouri-based federal prosecutor Roger Keller is assisting Halligan in the case.

Judge Jamar Walker, appointed by President Joe Biden, has been assigned to preside over the proceedings.

The Defense and the Strategy Ahead

James is being represented by prominent defense attorney Abbe Lowell, whose past clients include senior political figures in both parties. Lowell told reporters outside the courthouse that the defense team plans to file a motion to dismiss the indictment, arguing that the case constitutes “vindictive and selective prosecution.”

To bolster her defense, James has also enlisted the help of Andrew Bosse, a former assistant U.S. attorney in Norfolk who once headed the office’s criminal division. “This case isn’t about justice,” Lowell said. “It’s about retaliation — pure and simple.”

Court observers note that the defense’s selective prosecution claim mirrors a legal strategy already underway in former FBI Director Comey’s separate case in Alexandria. Both cases are seen as tests of how far the Justice Department under Trump’s renewed administration is willing to go in pursuing former officials who challenged him.

A Broader Clash with Federal Authorities

Beyond her legal troubles, James drew renewed criticism this week for a controversial move involving federal immigration enforcement in New York. On Thursday, she announced the launch of an online “review portal” where New Yorkers could submit photos and videos of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers conducting raids.

The initiative followed a high-profile immigration operation on Canal Street in Manhattan that led to the detention of nine individuals with prior criminal records. In a post on the X platform, James wrote: “We’re launching a portal to review federal immigration enforcement in New York after yesterday’s ICE raid. New Yorkers who were present should submit videos or photos, and we will review and investigate any violations of the law.”

The announcement sparked backlash from law enforcement officials and political opponents, who accused James of attempting to undermine federal immigration authority. Administration officials privately criticized her statement, suggesting it was an effort to distract from her growing legal challenges.

What Comes Next

James’s next court date has not yet been scheduled, but pretrial motions are expected to begin later this month. Legal experts say that the case could become one of the most closely watched prosecutions of the year, given its implications for political accountability and judicial independence.

If convicted, James could face decades in prison and the end of her political career. For now, however, the New York attorney general maintains her defiance.

“I’ve spent my entire career fighting for justice and holding the powerful accountable,” she said in a closing statement to reporters. “I’m not about to stop now — no matter how high the political cost.”