ALEXANDRIA, VA — New York Attorney General Letitia James has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia, on charges of mortgage fraud, according to two sources familiar with the matter who spoke to CNN.
The indictment comes amid a broader effort by President Donald Trump’s Justice Department to pursue criminal cases against several of his political opponents. James has been under federal investigation since May over a 2023 mortgage she reportedly took out to help her niece purchase a home in Norfolk, Virginia.
The Justice Department has also opened investigations into former FBI Director James Comey, former National Security Adviser John Bolton, and Senator Adam Schiff, among others — all vocal Trump critics. Comey, who was charged earlier this week with making a false statement in a congressional proceeding, has pleaded not guilty.
James’ relationship with Trump has long been deeply adversarial. She campaigned on investigating Trump’s business dealings and ultimately won a landmark civil fraud case against Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization earlier this year. The court found them liable for inflating property values and ordered Trump to pay $355 million in penalties, a ruling he has since appealed.
During the 11-week trial, tensions were high as Trump repeatedly attacked James, calling her “a political hack” and labeling the case “a witch hunt.” James, in turn, often responded publicly through statements and social media.
Last month, CNN reported that then–U.S. Attorney Erik Seibert had concluded there was insufficient evidence to charge James. However, Seibert resigned shortly after, and was replaced by Lindsey Halligan, Trump’s former personal attorney, who is now leading the prosecution.
📸: NYS Attorney General Office
AMN will continue to monitor this developing story as more details emerge.