Former Federal Bureau of Investigation Chief James Comey Files Innocent Plea to Charges of Misleading Congress
Former Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey has entered an innocent plea to providing misleading information to congressional representatives and hindering a legislative process.
The former director's legal representative submitted the plea representing him in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.
His attorney announced he would attempt to have the proceedings dismissed for several reasons including that his the accused, a critic of Donald Trump, was being singled out.
The former director was indicted just days after Donald Trump pressured his attorney general to take action against him.
Legal Proceedings
During the hearing on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer the legal representative told the judge they intended to file several petitions to dismiss the proceedings before a trial, stating the legal action was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was improperly appointed to assume control of the proceedings.
James Comey's case was first overseen by the original attorney, who left his position under influence from the former president after his probe into another political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - was unable to initiate prosecution.
Legal Setting
James Comey appeared in good spirits as he entered the legal venue on mid-week, speaking with his legal team and being lighthearted. He was joined by his partner, Mrs Failor and offspring Maureen, a US lawyer who the Trump administration dismissed.
Upon hearing to the judge state his rights and the two counts against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, Mr Comey was asked if he grasped the charges.
"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he stated to the judge.
Historical Information
Mr Comey was the FBI Director from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about several months into Donald Trump's first term as national leader. At the period, he was leading an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between Moscow and the presidential campaign.
While in office, James Comey caused a backlash from the Democratic party when he announced just shortly prior to the national vote that he was probing political contender Clinton's use of a private email server. Charges against Hillary Clinton were never brought, leading to criticism from Republicans as well.
Ongoing Accusations
The federal government allege Mr Comey provided false information to Congress during a legislative proceeding in 2020 when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he deceived the legislative body by saying he had not authorized someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to news outlets details about the government examinations.
Legal representatives also allege James Comey of "improperly attempting to sway, obstruct and slow" the legislative group by providing untrue information to it.
Individual Responses
Via social media the former director shared to his online platform after he was accused, he stated he was wrongly accused and alleged Trump of acting like a "tyrant".
"Our household have understood for years that there are consequences to challenging Donald Trump," he said. "We will not live on our knees."
"I have done nothing wrong," he stated further. "So let's have a trial."
These allegations against the former director came after Donald Trump posted on digital channels demanding his attorney general, the attorney general, take legal action against James Comey and other people.
Associated Events
- Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey indicted on dual counts
- The nature of charges are former director James Comey encounter?