New York Attorney General Letitia James, a foe of Donald Trump, was charged with bank fraud on Thursday, a person familiar with the matter said, as the administration seeks to use its power against those who have investigated the president or publicly resisted his agenda.
Trump, a Republican who campaigned for re-election embroiled in a series of legal problems, has repeatedly attacked James on social media and at political rallies as an enemy.
James’ indictment comes after a Virginia grand jury on September 25 indicted former FBI Director James Comey on charges of making false statements and obstructing a congressional investigation.
Comey has said he is innocent. Trump has regularly attacked his handling of the FBI investigation that detailed contacts between Russia and the Trump campaign in 2016.
James is one of several Democratic state attorneys general who have sought to block Trump administration measures.
The prosecutor is known for bringing a civil fraud case against Trump and his family real estate company in 2022. The case resulted in a $454.2 million fine against Trump after a judge determined that he had fraudulently exaggerated his net worth to deceive lenders.
In August, a New York state appeals court overturned the fine, which had totaled more than $500 million with interest, but upheld the trial judge’s conclusion that Trump was liable for fraud.
Both Trump and James’ office have filed an appeal with the state’s highest court.
Trump has denied any wrongdoing and has accused James’ office of bringing the case against him for political reasons.
With information from Reuters.
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