Mon Nov 17 18:50:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summarized news article based on the provided text:
Justice Department Under Fire as Judge Raises Concerns About Evidence in Comey Case
ALEXANDRIA, VA – A federal judge has sharply criticized the Justice Department’s handling of evidence in its case against former FBI Director James Comey, potentially jeopardizing the indictment. Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick of the Eastern District of Virginia cited “disturbing” investigative missteps, including the use of old evidence obtained without a new warrant and the failure to filter out attorney-client communications.
The judge highlighted that the DOJ accessed evidence from online accounts of Comey’s friend and former lawyer, Daniel Richman, related to a previous leak investigation that did not result in charges. This access occurred without a new, court-approved search warrant.
Fitzpatrick’s opinion paves the way for Comey’s legal team to challenge the indictment, arguing that the irregularities may constitute government misconduct that prejudiced Comey’s rights. He has ordered the release of grand jury records to Comey’s defense, citing Comey’s right to due process.
The judge expressed concern about the grand jury proceedings and statements made to the grand jury, including a “fundamental and highly prejudicial misstatement of the law” by the prosecutor. He also questioned the timing of the grand jury’s deliberations and a missing two-hour period in the transcript.
Comey is accused of lying to Congress in 2020 about his interactions with Richman. The case is scheduled for trial in January, but a separate judge is also considering a challenge to the prosecutor’s authority to secure the indictment.
The Justice Department has been contacted for comment.
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