A grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia, declined to re-indict New York Attorney General Letitia James on Thursday, marking a second rejection of a mortgage fraud prosecution. The case, related to James’s home purchase in Norfolk, Virginia, was initially encouraged by former President Donald Trump. This outcome follows the dismissal of previous charges against James and former FBI Director James Comey, both of whom are known Trump foes. The dismissal of these cases has raised concerns about the potential weaponization of law enforcement for political purposes.
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Newly uncovered documents reveal Donald Trump obtained mortgages for two separate Florida properties in the 1990s, each designated as his primary residence, while simultaneously renting them out. This behavior mirrors actions his administration has labeled “mortgage fraud” when undertaken by political rivals, leading to charges against individuals like Lisa Cook and Letitia James. Despite Trump’s public criticism of such practices, legal experts suggest his actions align with the same criteria for fraudulent conduct. While the White House has defended the transactions, citing the loans’ origin with the same lender, this disclosure raises questions about consistency and potential political motivations in the administration’s fraud investigations.
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In a striking turn of events, an investigation reveals that former President Donald Trump engaged in the same actions he is accusing his political opponents of, specifically mortgage fraud. The report details that in 1993, Trump secured mortgages for two Florida properties, claiming each as his principal residence, despite evidence suggesting he did not reside in either. Experts have noted the hypocrisy, particularly considering Trump’s administration has used similar claims to target political adversaries like Lisa Cook and Letitia James. Trump’s spokesperson responded by claiming no fraud, while the former president himself has not commented on the matter.
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A recent ProPublica investigation reveals that Donald Trump may have engaged in the same conduct he has condemned in his political adversaries. The investigation found that Trump signed mortgages for two Palm Beach properties weeks apart in 1993, claiming each as his principal residence, while simultaneously renting them out. Mortgage-law experts suggest that although not necessarily illegal, this contradicts the “fraudulent” behavior Trump has accused others of. A White House spokesperson responded by stating that there was no “defraudation” and that the media’s allegations are false.
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President Trump, who has accused political opponents of mortgage fraud for claiming multiple primary residences, appears to have done the same himself. In 1993, Trump obtained two mortgages for Florida properties, each stating they would be his primary residence, despite evidence suggesting he never lived in either. Contemporaneous reports and his real estate agent confirm the properties were rentals, a situation his administration has deemed fraudulent. Legal experts noted the irony, highlighting how Trump’s actions mirror those he has condemned, potentially exceeding the low bar his administration has set for mortgage fraud.
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Grand jury rejections, particularly when concerning high-profile figures, can say a lot about the legal process and public perception. The recent refusal by a federal grand jury in Norfolk, Virginia, to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James on alleged mortgage fraud charges is a prime example. This outcome, coming shortly after the dismissal of an earlier case based on a technicality, highlights some interesting dynamics. The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) attempts to refile the case, and the subsequent “no true bill” returned by the grand jury, sends a very clear message: the evidence, or the way it was presented, wasn’t strong enough to warrant charges.… Continue reading
After a federal judge dismissed the initial charges, a grand jury declined to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James in a mortgage fraud case for the second time. The Justice Department, however, may seek indictment a third time, indicating the intensity of their efforts. The charges stemmed from accusations of false statements and bank fraud, but were initially thrown out due to the unlawful appointment of the prosecutor. The defense argued the appointment of Trump’s handpicked prosecutor was invalid, and the case has been met with claims of selective and vindictive prosecution.
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New York State Attorney General Letitia James pleaded not guilty to bank fraud and false statements charges, which followed public calls for her prosecution from Donald Trump. The indictment alleges James falsely claimed she would use a Virginia home as a secondary residence to obtain favorable loan terms, while actually using it as an investment property. However, the charges were filed by Trump-appointed U.S. attorney Lindsey Halligan over the objections of career prosecutors, who cited insufficient evidence and a lack of material profit by James. James is expected to move to dismiss the indictment, alleging Halligan’s improper appointment and asserting the case should be thrown out as a result.
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Newly discovered documents challenge the Trump administration’s accusations that Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook committed mortgage fraud. The dispute centers on whether a federal housing regulator’s referral to the Department of Justice was supported by documents demonstrating criminal intent, and if Trump could lawfully remove a Fed governor. A loan estimate for Cook’s Atlanta property, obtained by Reuters, indicates she intended to use it as a vacation home, contradicting claims that she falsely declared multiple properties as primary residences. Cook has sued to prevent her removal, with a federal judge issuing a preliminary injunction allowing her to remain on the Fed while the suit proceeds.
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Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook characterized a condominium as a “vacation home” on a loan estimate, which could contradict claims of mortgage fraud. The Trump administration, seeking Cook’s removal, alleged she falsely claimed both the condo and another property as her primary residence simultaneously. Cook sued to block her firing and secured an injunction, although the administration has appealed the ruling. The Justice Department is investigating these claims, as misrepresenting a property’s primary residence status can impact mortgage terms.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood