ALBANY, N.Y. (PulseWire News) — A federal judge in New York has disqualified John Sarcone, the acting U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York, from overseeing investigations into New York Attorney General Letitia James, ruling that his appointment was unlawful. U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield blocked subpoenas that Sarcone had requested, saying the Justice Department had failed to adhere to required statutory procedures after judges previously declined to extend his appointment.
When the Executive branch of government skirts restraints put in place by Congress and then uses that power to subject political adversaries to criminal investigations, it acts without lawful authority, Schofield stated. Subpoenas issued under that authority are invalid; therefore, they are quashed, and Mr. Sarcone is disqualified from participation in the underlying investigations.
Attorney General James, a Democrat, had challenged the legitimacy of Sarcone’s subpoenas, which aimed to gather information related to lawsuits she filed against Donald Trump over alleged fraud, as well as similar actions against the National Rifle Association (NRA).
James’ office lauded the ruling as an important affirmation of the rule of law, asserting their commitment to defend against what they perceive as politically motivated attacks by the Trump administration.
The case reflects ongoing controversies surrounding the Trump administration's maneuvers to install preferred candidates in attorney positions without following standard protocols for Senate confirmation. Similar rulings have emerged across several states as courts address these legal challenges and the legitimacy of interim appointments. Sarcone, previously part of Trump’s legal team, remains a contentious figure within the ongoing legal landscape surrounding Trump and his associates.
When the Executive branch of government skirts restraints put in place by Congress and then uses that power to subject political adversaries to criminal investigations, it acts without lawful authority, Schofield stated. Subpoenas issued under that authority are invalid; therefore, they are quashed, and Mr. Sarcone is disqualified from participation in the underlying investigations.
Attorney General James, a Democrat, had challenged the legitimacy of Sarcone’s subpoenas, which aimed to gather information related to lawsuits she filed against Donald Trump over alleged fraud, as well as similar actions against the National Rifle Association (NRA).
James’ office lauded the ruling as an important affirmation of the rule of law, asserting their commitment to defend against what they perceive as politically motivated attacks by the Trump administration.
The case reflects ongoing controversies surrounding the Trump administration's maneuvers to install preferred candidates in attorney positions without following standard protocols for Senate confirmation. Similar rulings have emerged across several states as courts address these legal challenges and the legitimacy of interim appointments. Sarcone, previously part of Trump’s legal team, remains a contentious figure within the ongoing legal landscape surrounding Trump and his associates.
