By: Serena Edwards
New York State Attorney General (NYS AG) Letitia James was indicted by a grand jury in Virginia for allegedly committing bank fraud for favorable loans.
James currently serves as the 67th Attorney General (AG) of New York. She made history as the first woman of color to serve in a statewide office position for New York and the first woman to serve as AG. James has served in public office before her time as Attorney General, including a council member for District 35 until 2013 and the NYC’s Public Advocate until 2018.
The indictment, filed on Oct. 9, charges James with falsely listing her property in Virginia as a residence instead of an investment property.
“Prosecutors allege James improperly saved $18,933 because the interest rate on a mortgage for a second home is lower than interest rates on a loan for an investment property,” according to CNN.
In a statement from the Attorney General’s office, she called the indictment “nothing more than a continuation of the president’s desperate weaponization of our justice system […] all because I did my job as the New York State Attorney General.”
James has previously had issues with President Trump during her time as AG. In 2018, when James was first elected, she stated, “We here in New York — and I, in particular — we are not scared of you,” when discussing Trump’s political power, according to the New York Times.
But this wouldn’t be the last of their feud. James and Trump have gone back and forth with remarks and lawsuits.
In 2022, when the Attorney General was campaigning for re-election, she sued Trump for fraud. James won the lawsuit but was required to pay a total of $355 million. She has since been investigating Trump’s family and administration.
President Trump called James corrupt and “SCUM” on social media after the lawsuit.
This year, the DOJ opened an investigation into James’s office based on the lawsuit that took place last year. They stated James allegedly violated Trump’s rights in the case. This summer, the NYC appeals court tossed his fine out, but still condemned Trump for his behavior.
James is set to appear in court on Oct. 24 and has denied all allegations against her. She stated that she will continue doing her job and fighting against Trump’s agenda.
The AG ended her statement, stating, “ Today I am not fearful, I am fearless, and as my faith teaches me, no weapon formed against me shall prosper. We will fight these baseless charges aggressively, and my office will continue to fiercely protect New Yorkers and their rights. And I will continue to do my job.”
This is a developing story. The Vanguard will continue to report on this as more information is revealed.