A federal judge stated that the Justice Department’s own errors might have compromised the grand jury that indicted former FBI Director James Comey. In a 24-page ruling, Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick ordered prosecutors to provide all grand jury material to Comey’s defense.
The material includes transcripts, evidence and audio.
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“The record points to a disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps, missteps that led an FBI agent and prosecutor to potentially undermine the integrity of the grand jury proceeding,” Fitzpatrick said.
The evidence
The judge focused on two statements made by Lindsey Halligan, the interim U.S. attorney that President Donald Trump selected to lead the case. He said she suggested Comey might not have a Fifth Amendment right against testifying. She also told grand jurors that the DOJ had “better evidence” that she would reveal later.
The judge said both comments could have jeopardized the entire process.
The ruling also stated that FBI agents “rummaged” through years-old evidence from a different case without a new warrant. In the ruling, Fitzpatrick called it “highly unusual.”
The case’s progression
Comey has pleaded not guilty to making a false statement and obstructing a congressional proceeding. He is seeking to have the felony charges dropped.
The Justice Department is now taking steps to block the order, labeling it as “contrary to law.”
A critical hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
