New York Attorney General Letitia James faces federal bank fraud charges in Virginia, sparking bipartisan political reactions and claims of retribution.
Lawmakers reacted sharply Thursday to the indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James on bank fraud charges, with Democrats calling it a politically motivated act of revenge by President Donald Trump.
A federal grand jury in Virginia charged James with bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution. The indictment centers on James’ purchase of a home in Norfolk. Prosecutors allege she falsely claimed it as a second residence to secure better loan terms before renting it to tenants. James has denied wrongdoing, describing the charges as „political retribution.“
„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 statement.
James, a longtime Trump adversary, previously sued the president’s business empire for civil fraud and won a nearly $500 million judgment.
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Lindsey Halligan said James faces up to 30 years in prison per count, up to a $1 million fine on each count and forfeiture if she’s convicted.
„No one is above the law. The charges as alleged in this case represent intentional, criminal acts and tremendous breaches of the public’s trust“, Halligan said.
