New York attorney general faces federal probe over rights violations
The top legal officer in New York, Attorney General Letitia James, is the focus of a federal criminal investigation examining her past conduct involving former President Donald Trump and other matters.
James is under scrutiny for allegedly depriving individuals of their legal rights under federal law, opening the door to serious criminal penalties if charges are ultimately filed and proven.
The investigation was launched under the direction of Attorney General Pam Bondi, who authorized a grand jury process to explore whether James's actions constituted a violation of protected constitutional rights. The Department of Justice has issued federal subpoenas as part of the proceedings.
The investigation is linked to alleged violations of civil rights, with sources pointing to Section 242 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code. This federal statute prohibits officials from using their authority to knowingly violate someone’s federally protected rights.
While investigators have not confirmed whether Section 242 is the direct basis of the case, they stated the probe centers on possible "deprivation of rights," which could carry penalties ranging from fines to life imprisonment or capital punishment, depending on the offense’s severity.
A U.S. Attorney’s office located in New York is leading the investigation. Sources familiar with the matter believe the Northern District of New York is managing the case, citing that the alleged misconduct occurred in Albany, where the New York Attorney General's office is headquartered.
James’s Past Statements Resurface Amid Scrutiny
This is not the only federal investigation involving James. In May 2025, it was disclosed that the FBI is separately investigating her over accusations of mortgage fraud, indicating a broader pattern of criminal scrutiny.
Letitia James has long made her opposition to Donald Trump known. Throughout her campaign and term as Attorney General, she publicly vowed to pursue legal action against the former president, including civil and criminal inquiries into his business empire and conduct.
Critics argue that James’s rhetoric went beyond professional duties. In his book, "Breaking The Law," Breitbart News editor-in-chief Alex Marlow accused her of weaponizing her office for political retribution against Trump.
Criticism of James’s Conduct Heightens Political Tensions
Marlow cites a moment when James told a Democratic audience she looked forward each day to using her powers as Attorney General to sue Trump before returning home—remarks that have resurfaced amid the unfolding investigation.
Concerns over James's impartiality intensified in February 2024. That month, Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York submitted a detailed letter to the state's Committee on Professional Standards demanding her disbarment.
The 64-page document cited more than 50 examples of what Stefanik described as biased or prejudicial comments James made about Trump ahead of her office’s legal actions against him during the critical run-up to the 2024 presidential election.
Federal Law Details Potential Criminal Framework
Under Section 242, officials who act “under color of law” but violate legal boundaries while exercising that authority may be prosecuted. The law applies not only to abuse of office by police or judges, but to any public official, including elected attorneys general.
The Justice Department emphasizes that the motivation behind the violation—whether political, racial, or personal—is not essential to prosecute under this statute. What matters is whether an official willfully deprived someone of protected rights.
James's alleged actions, if proven to fall in this category, could amount to serious criminal behavior well beyond the bounds of prosecutorial overreach or political discretion.
Next Steps in Legal and Political Arenas
The grand jury process will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to bring formal charges. It remains unclear when or if indictments might follow, but experts say the path forward depends on the results of the subpoenaed material and testimony collected under oath.
As the Attorney General continues to face increasing legal jeopardy, questions grow over the future of the high-profile cases her office initiated, particularly those involving Trump and his business dealings in the state of New York.
With two federal criminal investigations now progressing simultaneously, Letitia James finds herself under intense legal pressure, raising concerns over potential conflicts of interest and public trust in the impartiality of the justice system.