Story perspectives

Judge Orders DOJ to Return Evidence, Criticizes Mishandling

12/16/2025

Center

Judge Orders Data Return

A federal judge ordered the Justice Department to return data seized from Daniel Richman, a close associate of former FBI Director James Comey.
Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly criticized the department for violating Richman's constitutional rights and mishandling evidence in the Comey case.
The ruling comes amid DOJ setbacks, including the dismissal of charges against Comey and Letitia James, which raises questions about prosecutors' actions and interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan.

Right

Trump Considers Retaliation

President Donald Trump's administration is reportedly considering mortgage fraud charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James as retaliation for her civil case, which resulted in a $500,000 fine against him.
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles stated that Trump believes those who have wronged him should face consequences, although he is not on a "retribution tour."
Letitia James has called the potential charges baseless, and a federal judge previously dismissed them, raising concerns about the legality of the prosecutor's appointment.
The Department of Justice has not yet indicated whether it will refile the charges.

Left

James Escapes Indictment

New York Attorney General Letitia James was not indicted by a federal grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia, for the second time in a week.
The decision rejects U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to prosecute his political opponents.
The no true bill is rare.
A federal judge in Maryland released an immigrant from custody.
Another judge criticized prosecutors for mishandling evidence in a case against former FBI Director James Comey.

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Judge Orders Data Return

A federal judge ordered the Justice Department to return data seized from Daniel Richman, a close associate of former FBI Director James Comey.
Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly criticized the department for violating Richman's constitutional rights and mishandling evidence in the Comey case.
The ruling comes amid DOJ setbacks, including the dismissal of charges against Comey and Letitia James, which raises questions about prosecutors' actions and interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan.

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