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New York Attorney General Letitia James faces charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution following her indictment by a federal grand jury in Virginia. The indictment accuses James of misrepresenting a property in Norfolk, Virginia, as her secondary residence to obtain favorable mortgage terms. U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, appointed by President Trump, presented the case, alleging James rented the property instead of using it personally, gaining financial benefits from the arrangement. If convicted, James could face up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine per count.
James, a Democrat and vocal critic of President Trump, has denied the charges, calling them politically motivated. "These charges are baseless, and the president’s own public statements make clear that his only goal is political retribution at any cost," James said in a video statement. Her attorney, Abbe Lowell, echoed these sentiments, criticizing the prosecution as a "serious attack on the rule of law."
The case has sparked significant political debate, with Democrats accusing the Trump administration of using the Justice Department to target political opponents. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have condemned the indictment, while Republicans have supported the legal proceedings.
James' first court appearance is scheduled for October 24 in Norfolk. The indictment follows a successful civil fraud case James brought against Trump, which was later overturned on appeal.
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