New York Attorney General Letitia James is facing a serious challenge as she becomes the subject of a federal criminal referral over allegations of mortgage fraud. This comes on the heels of her successful civil fraud case against former President Donald Trump and the Trump Organization.
In her previous lawsuit, James secured a landmark ruling of $454 million against Trump for inflating his wealth by billions in order to obtain favorable loans and insurance deals. This civil matter has now taken a turn as William J. Pulte, the Director of the US Federal Housing Finance Agency, has made a referral concerning her actions regarding mortgage applications.
The referral has been sent to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, outlining potential charges that include wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, and making false claims to a financial institution.
In the referral, Pulte claims that James falsified records to acquire home loans for her Virginia property, which she purportedly declared as her ‘principal residence’ while still working as the Attorney General for New York. According to the letter, ‘Ms. James was the sitting Attorney General of New York and is required by law to have her primary residence in the state of New York.’ This claim raises questions not only about her actions but also about the legal ramifications she might face.
Understanding Letitia James
Letitia ‘Tish’ James, the 67th Attorney General of New York, has made history as the first Black woman and the first Black person overall to hold this position in the state’s history. She grew up in Brooklyn and pursued her education at Howard University, earning her law degree before entering public service.
James has a reputation for standing firm against corporate interests, vowing to ‘take that power back from big businesses and corrupt leaders.’ Her commitment to justice was evident in her inaugural speech in 2019 when she declared, ‘The law is the great equalizer and the biggest pillar of our democracy.’
Allegations Against James
The allegations against James also detail past inconsistencies in her property filings. The referral mentions that when purchasing a five-family building in Brooklyn, James misrepresented it as having only four units in various permits and applications. Pulte’s letter emphasizes that these misrepresentations ‘may have continued’ in her recent property endeavors.
The spokesperson for James’s office responded by asserting that she is committed daily to protecting New Yorkers. They stated, ‘Attorney General James is focused every single day on protecting New Yorkers and will not be intimidated by bullies—no matter who they are.’
The Impact of the Referral
Critics have drawn parallels between James’s current situation and her prior legal battles against Trump and his organization. Notably, legal expert Turley remarked that it is ‘perfectly crushing’ for James to face similar allegations she previously aimed at Trump.
In recent statements, Trump has openly criticized James, calling her ‘a totally corrupt politician’ and insisting she should resign from her position as Attorney General.
Conclusion
As this situation unfolds, the implications for Letitia James, both personally and professionally, remain to be seen. Her ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in maintaining her role and reputation within the state’s political landscape. Will this referral impact her capacity to continue her work? The coming weeks may reveal more about the future of Letitia James in the realm of New York politics.
