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James Comey Pleads Not Guilty to Charges of Lying to Congress
• Politics, Crime, James Comey, FBI, not guilty, Congress, obstructing, Trump, indictment, false statements, trial, Virginia, neutralecho.com, James Comey Pleads Not Guilty to Charges of Lying to Congress
Former FBI director James Comey has entered a not guilty plea to charges related to making false statements to lawmakers and obstructing a congressional proceeding, setting the stage for a trial amid accusations of political targeting.
Former FBI director James Comey has pleaded not guilty to two charges of making false statements to lawmakers and obstructing a congressional proceeding. His lawyer entered the plea on his behalf in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, on Wednesday morning. Patrick Fitzgerald stated he would seek to have the case dismissed for reasons including that his client was being targeted as a critic of former US President Donald Trump.
The indictment against Mr. Comey occurred shortly after Trump publicly urged his attorney general to take action against him. After requesting a speedy trial, the judge has set a trial date for January 5, which both the prosecution and defense expect to last just two to three days.
In court, Fitzgerald informed the judge of plans to file several motions to dismiss, arguing that the prosecution was vindictive and that an unlawful appointment of a US attorney occurred. Comey, who was fired in 2017 while leading an investigation into Russian election interference, is accused of lying to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 regarding these investigations.
The federal government alleges Comey misled lawmakers when he stated he had not authorized anyone at the FBI to leak information about the inquiries. Furthermore, prosecutors claim he 'corruptly endeavored to influence, obstruct and impede' the panel by making false statements.
The case was initially overseen by Erik Siebert but passed to Lindsey Halligan after Siebert resigned under pressure from Trump following another investigation that failed to yield charges. Halligan swiftly secured an indictment against Comey.
During Wednesday's proceedings, Comey displayed a positive demeanor, engaging with his legal team and family, including his wife and daughter, who is also a federal prosecutor recently dismissed by the Trump administration.
The charges could result in consecutive sentences of up to five years in prison and fines totaling $200,000. Defense counsel expressed concerns about access to classified evidence, leading the judge to admonish the government for not providing necessary documentation promptly.
Comey, known for his involvement in high-profile investigations and his outspoken criticism of the Trump administration since leaving office, took to social media after his indictment, asserting his innocence and emphasizing a commitment to confronting Trump’s political maneuvers.
The indictment against Mr. Comey occurred shortly after Trump publicly urged his attorney general to take action against him. After requesting a speedy trial, the judge has set a trial date for January 5, which both the prosecution and defense expect to last just two to three days.
In court, Fitzgerald informed the judge of plans to file several motions to dismiss, arguing that the prosecution was vindictive and that an unlawful appointment of a US attorney occurred. Comey, who was fired in 2017 while leading an investigation into Russian election interference, is accused of lying to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 regarding these investigations.
The federal government alleges Comey misled lawmakers when he stated he had not authorized anyone at the FBI to leak information about the inquiries. Furthermore, prosecutors claim he 'corruptly endeavored to influence, obstruct and impede' the panel by making false statements.
The case was initially overseen by Erik Siebert but passed to Lindsey Halligan after Siebert resigned under pressure from Trump following another investigation that failed to yield charges. Halligan swiftly secured an indictment against Comey.
During Wednesday's proceedings, Comey displayed a positive demeanor, engaging with his legal team and family, including his wife and daughter, who is also a federal prosecutor recently dismissed by the Trump administration.
The charges could result in consecutive sentences of up to five years in prison and fines totaling $200,000. Defense counsel expressed concerns about access to classified evidence, leading the judge to admonish the government for not providing necessary documentation promptly.
Comey, known for his involvement in high-profile investigations and his outspoken criticism of the Trump administration since leaving office, took to social media after his indictment, asserting his innocence and emphasizing a commitment to confronting Trump’s political maneuvers.