DOJ Files Third Criminal Case Against James Comey, Alleging Leak of National Security Information
The Justice Department has brought criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey for the third time in 13 months, according to a newly unsealed court filing. This latest case, filed earlier this month and made public on Monday, accuses Comey of “willfully” mishandling information related to national defense in October 2016, which subsequently appeared in media reports. The charge stems from an alleged leak of sensitive national security information to the press, marking another dramatic turn in the long-running legal saga between the Trump administration and the former FBI chief.nnAccording to court documents, federal prosecutors allege that Comey, “having reason to believe such information could be used to injure the United States and to the advantage of any foreign nation,” did “knowingly and willfully communicate, deliver, transmit, and cause that information to be communicated, delivered, and transmitted to a person not entitled to receive it.” The filing does not specify the exact nature of the information or the media outlet involved, but it underscores the gravity of the accusation: unauthorized disclosure of national defense material, a felony under U.S. law. This is the third time the Justice Department has charged Comey, a longtime target of President Donald Trump, signaling an escalating legal offensive.nnComey’s attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald, issued a statement obtained by The Associated Press, saying that his client “steadfastly maintains his innocence.” Fitzgerald did not elaborate on the specifics of the defense but emphasized Comey’s resolve. In his own remarks, Comey struck a defiant tone, declaring, “It’s really important that we stand straight and keep the faith in America.” The former FBI director, who was fired by Trump in May 2017, has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has characterized the investigations into his conduct as politically motivated.nnThe new charge raises questions about the timing and motivation behind the prosecution, given Comey’s history as a vocal critic of the president. Legal experts note that the case will likely hinge on whether prosecutors can prove that Comey acted with intent to harm national security, rather than out of a desire to inform the public. As the third indictment in just over a year, the development intensifies the scrutiny on the Justice Department’s handling of
Shimanta Das 
