Politics
JUST IN: Letitia James Slapped With Bar Complaint
New York Attorney General Letitia James is facing serious ethical scrutiny after a newly filed bar complaint accuses her of committing mortgage fraud and violating professional conduct rules. The complaint, filed by America First Legal (AFL) with the Committee on Professional Standards, urges an investigation into explosive allegations stemming from a recent criminal referral by the U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).
According to AFL, the complaint is based on allegations that James falsified bank documents and misrepresented property records to secure government-backed loans and more favorable loan terms. The allegations suggest that James may have violated the New York Rules of Professional Conduct, which prohibit illegal conduct and acts involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation.
“If what Director Pulte uncovered is true, then we have a sitting state Attorney General who made false certifications to the United States in return for federal benefits,” said Dan Epstein, Vice President of America First Legal. “For a state prosecutor who has maligned the President of the United States for political gain, public accountability will serve as a cure to Letitia James’ endless lawfare and abuse of power.”
The complaint stems from two major incidents detailed in the FHFA’s April 14, criminal referral to the Department of Justice. First, James reportedly purchased a home in Norfolk, Virginia, while claiming it would be her principal residence—a designation that would qualify her for lower mortgage rates.
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Second, the FHFA alleges that James falsely reported the number of housing units in a New York City property she owned. In 2001 and again in 2019, she allegedly declared the property had four units, qualifying for favorable loan terms through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac programs, when the actual number was five. Buildings with more than four units are subject to stricter loan terms, including higher interest rates and larger down payments.
“If the Director’s allegations are accurate, Ms. James should resign her office immediately,” said Nick Barry, Senior Counsel at America First Legal. “The people of New York deserve an Attorney General who upholds the highest ethical standards of the legal profession.”
The AFL’s complaint argues that these actions, if true, would severely undermine public trust in the legal profession and damage the rule of law. The organization called on the Committee to launch a full investigation, noting that the standard of proof for disciplinary action is a “fair preponderance of the evidence,” significantly lower than the criminal “beyond a reasonable doubt” threshold.
James herself has frequently championed the principle that “no one is above the law,” a sentiment now being used against her by critics calling for transparency and accountability.
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America First Legal’s bar complaint concludes by urging the Committee on Professional Standards to take swift action, warning that failure to address the allegations would erode public confidence in the legal system.
James has hired high-profile attorney Abbe Lowell, who argues the allegations are politically motivated, explaining that the Virginia property was intended for her niece and blaming outdated records for the Brooklyn discrepancy. The controversy comes shortly after James won a major civil fraud case against then-former President Donald Trump, leading his allies to suggest the investigation into James is retaliatory.
As of now, the Department of Justice is reviewing the case, and no charges have been filed.
