The U.S. Department of Justice has filed criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey, marking the third federal case brought against him during President Donald Trump's current term. The case was unsealed on Monday in federal court in Washington, D.C.
Federal prosecutors charged Comey with transmission of national defense information and conspiracy to transmit national defense information. According to court filings, the allegations stem from an October 5, 2016, media report regarding email surveillance. Prosecutors contend that Comey directed staff to speak with a reporter to correct inaccuracies from previous coverage, unlawfully transferring classified information in the process.
Defense attorneys swiftly pushed back against the filing. Comey’s lawyer, Patrick Fitzgerald, noted that the criminal information was filed exactly ten years after the article's publication without a grand jury indictment or judicial approval. The defense argued that the case is barred by the 10-year statute of limitations and that two previous prosecutorial teams during the first Trump administration had already investigated the matter and opted against bringing charges.
In a video statement released Monday, Comey maintained his innocence and criticized the prosecution as an abuse of the Justice Department. This action follows two prior federal cases against Comey: an initial case that was dismissed by a judge, and an April 2026 indictment in North Carolina regarding a social media post featuring seashells. Comey has denied wrongdoing in all proceedings.
