James Comey faces new DOJ case over alleged national defense disclosure
The Justice Department has filed a criminal information against former FBI Director James Comey, alleging he willfully communicated national defense information in 2016, marking the third attempt to prosecute him under President Donald Trump.
The filing in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia includes two counts: one alleging Comey communicated national defense information and another accusing him of conspiring with others to unlawfully disclose it.
Prosecutors allege the specific incident occurred on or about October 5, 2016, when Comey knowingly and willfully shared information related to national defense with a person not entitled to receive it.
The Justice Department stated the criminal information was filed to toll the statute of limitations, a practice the DOJ says is widely recognized and approved by multiple Circuit Courts of Appeals.
A DOJ spokesperson confirmed the filing was made to preserve the allegations as an ongoing criminal investigation continues.
Comey denies wrongdoing
Comey denied any wrongdoing in an Instagram post, calling the latest DOJ action an 'appalling abuse of the Department of Justice.'
Nothing's changed with me. I'm still innocent. I'm not afraid of these people. And I still believe in the independent federal judiciary.
He added that his family and legal team would 'stand up in court and fight the latest and whatever comes after this.'
Third prosecution attempt
This case marks the third attempt by the Justice Department under President Donald Trump to prosecute Comey.
A previous case accusing him of lying to Congress was dismissed, while a separate case stemming from his '86 47' seashell social media post remains pending.
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