A grand jury has declined to reindict New York Attorney General Letitia James on charges of mortgage fraud, just 10 days after a federal judge dismissed the initial charges. The decision comes as the Justice Department considers whether to seek a third indictment.

The case against James, which also involved former FBI Director James Comey, was initially thrown out by U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie. Judge Currie ruled that Lindsey Halligan, the interim U.S. attorney who brought the charges, was unlawfully appointed. Halligan's appointment was deemed invalid because it exceeded the 120-day period allowed for an interim U.S. attorney without Senate confirmation or judicial approval.

The Justice Department's swift move to present the case again highlights the intensity of efforts to prosecute James, who has been a frequent target of President Donald Trump. Trump has publicly called for legal action against James and Comey, describing them as "guilty as hell" in a Truth Social post.

Despite the grand jury's decision, the possibility of future legal actions remains. The Justice Department has not ruled out seeking another indictment, although it faces hurdles, including claims of selective prosecution. James and her defense team argue that the charges are part of a politically motivated campaign against her, transforming the Justice Department into "the President’s personal agents of revenge."

As the situation develops, the legal community and political observers are closely watching the Justice Department's next steps.

Lucy Chapman