ALBANY, N.Y. — In a sweeping decision, a federal judge disqualified John Sarcone, the acting U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York, from conducting investigations into New York Attorney General Letitia James, ruling that he had been operating unlawfully when he sought subpoenas.
U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield stated that the Department of Justice failed to adhere to statutory procedures after judges declined to extend Sarcone’s tenure. “When the Executive branch of government skirts restraints put in place by Congress and uses that power to target political adversaries, it acts without lawful authority,” Schofield remarked. “The subpoenas issued under that authority are invalid. The subpoenas are quashed, and Mr. Sarcone is disqualified from further participation in the underlying investigations.”
Letitia James, a Democrat, contested Sarcone’s authority following his issuance of subpoenas aimed at gathering information concerning lawsuits she filed against Donald Trump, alleging fraudulent business practices, as well as related to the National Rifle Association and its former leaders.
The ruling arrives amid a larger discourse on the legality of recent appointments and tactics employed by the Trump administration aimed at ensuring its chosen candidates occupy U.S. attorney positions indefinitely, avoiding the Senate confirmation process. James hailed the decision as a critical win for the rule of law, stating that her office would persist in defending its litigation against what it views as politically motivated attacks.
Federal lawyers argued that Sarcone’s appointment was legitimate, and maintained that the attorney general has broad authority to appoint and delegate roles within the department. They pointed to Sarcone’s previous roles, including his participation in the 2016 Trump campaign, as pertinent to his qualifications.
The broader implications of this ruling echo through ongoing legal disputes, raising questions about executive power and the limits of authority wielded by federal prosecutors.
