New York Attorney General Letitia James Refutes Federal Charges, Commits to Strong Defense

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ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) New York State Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, fiercely dismissed a recent federal indictment on Thursday, labeling the charges as nothing more than a retaliatory move against her for fulfilling her professional duties.

James addressed the issue during a press conference in New York City, where she was joined by Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul and Janno Lieber, the Chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

“I am totally innocent,” James asserted, firmly defending her stance against the allegations.

In addition to her defense, the press conference also highlighted a significant legal victory. James, alongside Hochul and Lieber, celebrated a court’s decision that required the Department of Homeland Security to provide nearly $34 million in anti-terrorism funding to New York’s MTA. These funds had previously been improperly withheld by former President Donald Trump’s administration.

James faces federal felony charges in the Eastern District of Virginia for alleged bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution.

The Department of Justice alleged the attorney general lied to banks for a 2020 Virginia home loan, misrepresenting her property as a residence to get a better interest rate despite it being rented out. Federal prosecutors said her misrepresentation was worth about $18,933 over the life of the loan.

James vowed to “vigorously defend those charges.” Her initial court appearance is set for Oct. 24 in Virginia.

James, the first Black woman elected to a statewide office in New York, called the indictment “nothing more than retribution” for successful litigation against Trump, his two elder sons, and his companies. A civil fraud case against them resulted in a court finding the Trumps liable for fraud.