Prosecutors refiled mortgage-fraud accusations against New York Attorney General Letitia James earlier this year, but a federal grand jury failed to bring an indictment. At least for the time being, the matter will not go to trial as a result of the refusal.
The ruling comes after a thorough examination of the government’s reaffirmed accusations. Grand jurors determined that the evidence was not strong enough to sustain criminal charges, despite prosecutors’ efforts to revive allegations that James had deceived financiers during a real estate transaction.
If prosecutors find new evidence, they may try to re-present the case in accordance with Department of Justice standards. James is no longer officially charged with a federal crime in this case, nevertheless, as a result of the grand jury’s decision.
The result is a relief for James, who had insisted on her innocence, and a major setback for the judicial officials investigating the case. The denial also begs the question of whether the government will try to pursue the case further or drop it completely.