Justice department charges ex-FBI director James Comey for third time

Justice Department Charges

The Justice Department has charged former FBI Director James Comey with two counts of leaking information related to national defense, marking the third time the department has pursued charges against him. According to the charges, Comey allegedly directed an individual to share classified information with a reporter from a national news organization in October 2016. The publication is identified in other court documents as The New York Times.

Background of the Case

The case stems from an alleged disclosure of classified information to the New York Times in October 2016, while Comey was head of the FBI. Comey's lawyers said in separate court papers that the case had been previously investigated by two separate U.S. Attorney's offices, both of whom declined to bring charges. The lawyers argue that the charges should be thrown out due to the 10-year statute of limitations and that the law requires an indictment, not an information, within that timeframe. As Patrick Fitzgerald, Comey's attorney, stated, "Ten years after the article was published, the government filed an 'information' against Mr. Comey that was not approved by a judge nor issued by a grand jury. It purports to charge Mr. Comey with crimes he did not commit."

Previous Charges Against Comey

This is not the first time the Justice Department has brought charges against Comey. In 2020, he was charged with allegedly lying to Congress during testimony, but the case was dismissed after a federal judge found the U.S. Attorney handling the case had been unlawfully appointed. Earlier this year, Comey was charged in federal court in North Carolina for posting a picture of a formation of seashells spelling out "8647" – which some people interpret as a shorthand way of saying "get rid of Trump." Comey has denied any wrongdoing in all cases, calling the charges an "appalling abuse" of the Department of Justice.

Response from Comey

Comey has denied any wrongdoing in the current case, calling the charges an "appalling abuse" of the Department of Justice. In a video posted online, he said, "Nothing's changed with me – I'm still innocent, I'm still not afraid of these people, and I still believe in the independent federal judiciary." He also stated, "It would almost be funny if it weren't such an appalling abuse of the Department of Justice, one that we cannot become numb to."

Detail	Information
Number of counts	2
Year of alleged disclosure	2016
Publication allegedly leaked to	The New York Times
Previous investigations	2 separate U.S. Attorney's offices
Outcome of previous investigations	No charges brought

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the charges against James Comey?

Comey faces two counts of transmitting information and conspiring to transmit information related to national defense matters, stemming from an alleged disclosure of classified information to the New York Times in October 2016.

What is the basis for the charges?

The charges are based on an alleged disclosure of classified information to the New York Times in October 2016, while Comey was head of the FBI.

How has Comey responded to the charges?

Comey has denied any wrongdoing, calling the charges an "appalling abuse" of the Department of Justice. He has also stated that he believes in the independent federal judiciary and is not afraid of the prosecution.

The next step in the case will be for the court to consider Comey's motion to dismiss the charges due to the 10-year statute of limitations. The outcome of this motion will determine the future of the case and whether Comey will face trial on the charges. As the case progresses, it will be important to watch for developments and updates on the court's decision and any potential implications for Comey and the Justice Department.