Judge Finds Essayli Unlawfully Serving; Disqualification Delayed

A federal judge ruled that Bill Essayli is unlawfully serving as Los Angeles’ top federal prosecutor, finding the Justice Department could not use his roles as special attorney and first assistant U.S. attorney to give him the powers of a U.S. attorney after his temporary appointment expired. The order bars Essayli from participating in or supervising two criminal prosecutions, but the judge declined to dismiss the indictments. The disqualification is stayed while the Trump administration prepares to appeal. Essayli said the administration disagrees with the ruling and that the dispute will ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court; a defense attorney called the decision a victory for the rule of law. The case is part of a broader legal dispute over the administration’s appointment of federal prosecutors without Senate confirmation.