New York AG Letitia James Pleads Not Guilty

Norfolk, VA — New York Attorney General Letitia James pleaded not guilty on Friday.

“Not guilty, judge, to both counts,” James, who faces charges for bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution, told U.S. District Court Judge Jamar Walker.

The judge set a Jan. 26, 2026 trial date.

Defense attorney Abbe Lowell indicated James would be filing motions to dismiss the case for vindictive or selective prosecution and challenging Interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan’s appointment.

Former FBI Director James Comey filed the same two motions on Monday in an effort to dismiss his indictment, which was also brought by Halligan. The judge suggested James’ motion challenging Halligan’s appointment could be heard at the same time as Comey’s.

“News reports and the President’s own public statements indicate that the grand jury proceeding would not have occurred absent Ms. Halligan’s unlawful appointment,” James’ attorneys wrote in a motion filed shortly after the hearing. “The only proper remedy is dismissal.”

Oral arguments to consider Halligan’s appointment have been set for November 13. Judge Cameron McGowan Currie from the District of South Carolina will rule on the motion.

Halligan did not speak during the arraignment. Roger Keller, a federal prosecutor who has been based in Missouri, spoke for the government.

Keller, whose name first appeared