DOJ Files Third Criminal Information Against Former FBI Director James Comey Over 2016 Alleged Leak
What happened
On October 26, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed a criminal information charging former FBI Director James Comey with the transmission of national defense information and conspiracy.
The Context
* A decade-old media leak: The allegations stem from an October 5, 2016, New York Times article regarding surveillance, where prosecutors allege Comey directed staff to share classified details to counter reporting. * Tolling legal deadlines: Prosecutors originally filed the information under seal on October 5, 2026, specifically to meet the strict 10-year statute of limitations deadline before unsealing it in Washington, D.C. federal court. * Immediate defense pushback: Comey affirmed his innocence, while his defense team filed a motion to dismiss, citing elapsed statutory limits and pointing to previous federal reviews that closed without charges.
The Number
— This action marks the third federal criminal case brought against Comey by the Department of Justice since January 2025, underscoring ongoing procedural battles in U.S. District Court.
Takeaway
Watch for U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden’s ruling on the defense's motion to dismiss, which will determine whether the case proceeds to a formal indictment or concludes over statutory limits.
Business, investment, entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation.
"Forbes is known for its coverage of business leaders, market trends, and entrepreneurial ventures with a pro-business editorial stance."
— A47 Editor
What To Make Of The Latest Charges Against James Comey: Criminal Defense Attorney Breaks It Down
The Department of Justice has charged former FBI Director James Comey again, this time with two counts of violating the Espionage Act, according to Forbes. The case centers on allegations that he mishandled national defense information, and it follow...
RT is a Russian state-funded network covering global events from a Russian perspective.
"RT is widely criticized for promoting pro-Kremlin narratives and is considered by many to be a state propaganda outlet."
— A47 Editor
‘Russiagate’ ex-FBI chief charged with leaking US secrets
Former FBI Director James Comey has been charged with two counts of leaking classified national defense information to the press, according to the base report, which links the alleged 2016 leak to the broader "Russiagate" investigation. The case mark...
Focused political reporting and governmental affairs.
"NBC News is a mainstream media outlet known for comprehensive national and international news coverage with a centrist to slightly left-leaning editorial tone."
— A47 Editor
DOJ Charges Former FBI Director James Comey for Third Time
The Justice Department has charged former FBI Director James Comey with two counts related to the transmission of national defense information and conspiracy in federal court in Washington, D.C., according to court documents unsealed Monday. Prosecut...
International news coverage curated for readers in the UAE and Gulf region.
"Emirates 24|7 world coverage presents global developments through a UAE-facing and Gulf-relevant editorial lens."
— A47 Editor
Ex-FBI chief James Comey faces third prosecution attempt by Trump Justice Department
The US Justice Department is attempting to prosecute former FBI Director James Comey for a third time, filing a criminal information in Washington federal court that charges him with transmitting and conspiring to transmit national defense informatio...
English-language reporting on Saudi politics, policy, and society.
"Saudi Gazette reflects mainstream Saudi institutional perspectives."
— A47 Editor
Justice Department brings new charges against former FBI chief James Comey
Federal prosecutors have brought new charges against former FBI director James B. Comey over a decade-old allegation that he ordered staff to leak sensitive national security information to a reporter, according to a three-page court filing made publ...
Global news coverage with extensive reporting on Middle Eastern conflicts and geopolitics.
"Al Jazeera is a Qatar-based broadcaster known for wide regional coverage and alternative perspectives."
— A47 Editor
Ex-FBI chief Comey defiant in the face of third prosecution
Former FBI Director James Comey has publicly denied new charges brought by the US Justice Department, which accused him of two counts of leaking information related to national defense in federal court in Washington DC, marking the third time the Tru...
Comprehensive coverage of Middle Eastern and global issues.
"Al Jazeera is a prominent voice from the Global South, especially the Middle East, with an emphasis on underreported stories."
— A47 Editor
Ex-FBI chief Comey defiant in the face of third prosecution
Former FBI Director James Comey has publicly denied new charges brought by the US Justice Department, which accused him of two counts of leaking information related to national defense in federal court in Washington DC, marking the third time the Tru...
International coverage of politics, culture, and current affairs.
"BBC News is widely regarded as a reputable international news organization, known for its impartial tone and public service mandate."
— A47 Editor
Ex-FBI chief James Comey faces federal charges for third time
Former FBI Director James Comey faces federal charges for a third time, with the Justice Department accusing him of two counts of leaking information related to national defense in federal court in Washington DC. His lawyers say the case stems from a...
Coverage of national news and events from across the United States.
"HuffPost is known for its progressive editorial stance, offering opinionated yet comprehensive coverage on social, political, and cultural topics."
— A47 Editor
Trump's Justice Department Charges James Comey For Third Time
The Justice Department has charged former FBI Director James Comey with two counts related to the transmission of national defense information and conspiracy, in federal court in Washington, D.C., marking the third time the Trump administration has f...
Focused political reporting and governmental affairs.
"NBC News is a mainstream media outlet known for comprehensive national and international news coverage with a centrist to slightly left-leaning editorial tone."
— A47 Editor
Comey faces criminal charges for third time
Prosecutors have charged former FBI Director James Comey with two counts related to the transmission of national defense information and conspiracy, in federal court in Washington, D.C. The base report says prosecutors allege he directed staff to ill...
Editor-curated FT homepage stories spanning markets, business, world, and opinion.
"The Financial Times is a globally respected business publication with a centrist/center-left tone and strong markets focus."
— A47 Editor
US charges ex-FBI chief James Comey for third time
US prosecutors have charged former FBI Director James Comey for a third time, this time alleging he mishandled national defence information. The Department of Justice brought the case, which the Financial Times reports is the latest action by the Tru...
Capitol Hill news, legislation, and policy insight.
"The Hill specializes in U.S. politics and policy, with a focus on Capitol Hill developments and a reputation for insider reporting."
— A47 Editor
Comey reacts to new charges: 'Funny' if it weren't 'appalling abuse' of DOJ
The Justice Department has charged former FBI Director James Comey with two counts related to the transmission of national defense information, including conspiracy, in federal court in Washington DC, a third set of criminal charges filed against him...
Coverage of national news and issues shaping the United States, including politics, economy, and society.
"The Wall Street Journal is one of the most respected financial and news publications in the U.S., known for its rigorous reporting and center-right editorial perspective."
— A47 Editor
Justice Department Charges James Comey Again
The Justice Department has charged former FBI director James Comey with two counts related to the transmission of national defense information and conspiracy, in federal court in Washington DC. The filing, which relies on a criminal information to ex...
News from the United States including domestic politics, society, and culture.
"Sky News is often seen as a center-right outlet in the UK, known for its rolling news coverage and emphasis on breaking stories and political affairs."
— A47 Editor
Former FBI chief charged for third time by Trump administration
The Justice Department has charged former FBI director James Comey with two counts of leaking national defense information in federal court in Washington DC, marking the third time the Trump administration has filed criminal charges against him. Come...
News from the United States including domestic politics, society, and culture.
"Global News is a mainstream Canadian media outlet generally considered to have a centrist editorial stance, covering news with a focus on factual reporting and national interest."
— A47 Editor
James Comey faces potential prosecution again from Trump admin
The Justice Department said it has filed a criminal information to extend the 10-year statute of limitations, opening the door to renewed prosecution of former FBI director James Comey by the Trump administration.
News from the United States including domestic politics, society, and culture.
"The Guardian is known for its progressive editorial stance and in-depth analysis, often advocating for social justice, environmental issues, and liberal values."
— A47 Editor
Justice department charges ex-FBI director James Comey for third time
The Justice Department on Monday charged former FBI director James Comey with two counts of leaking information related to national defense, in federal court in Washington DC. It is the third time the Trump administration has filed criminal charges a...
Top international stories selected by The Guardian editors.
"The Guardian is known for its progressive editorial stance and in-depth analysis."
— A47 Editor
Justice department charges ex-FBI director James Comey for third time
The Justice Department on Monday charged former FBI director James Comey with two counts of leaking information related to national defense, in federal court in Washington DC. It is the third time the Trump administration has filed criminal charges a...
Global news coverage with extensive reporting on Middle Eastern conflicts and geopolitics.
"Al Jazeera is a Qatar-based broadcaster known for wide regional coverage and alternative perspectives."
— A47 Editor
Former FBI director James Comey hit with third set of charges under Trump
The Justice Department on Monday charged former FBI director James Comey with two counts of leaking information related to national defense, in federal court in Washington DC, marking the third time the Trump administration has filed criminal charges...
Comprehensive coverage of Middle Eastern and global issues.
"Al Jazeera is a prominent voice from the Global South, especially the Middle East, with an emphasis on underreported stories."
— A47 Editor
Former FBI director James Comey hit with third set of charges under Trump
The Justice Department on Monday charged former FBI director James Comey with two counts of leaking information related to national defense, in federal court in Washington DC, marking the third time the Trump administration has filed criminal charges...
National headlines across the United States including breaking stories and societal issues.
"NBC News is a mainstream media outlet known for comprehensive national and international news coverage with a centrist to slightly left-leaning editorial tone."
— A47 Editor
James Comey faces two new federal charges
James Comey, the former FBI director, has been charged by federal prosecutors with transmission of national defense information and conspiracy to transmit national defense information, according to NBC News reporting. The charges form part of the Jus...
Capitol Hill news, legislation, and policy insight.
"The Hill specializes in U.S. politics and policy, with a focus on Capitol Hill developments and a reputation for insider reporting."
— A47 Editor
DOJ charges Comey for third time
The Justice Department has charged former FBI Director James Comey with two counts related to the transmission of national defense information and conspiracy to transmit such information, according to court filings unsealed in federal court in Washin...
Conservative-leaning coverage of current events.
"Fox News is a highly influential conservative news outlet known for right-leaning political commentary and coverage."
— A47 Editor
James Comey faces new DOJ case over alleged national defense disclosure
The Justice Department has filed a two-count criminal information against former FBI director James Comey, charging him with communicating national defense information and conspiracy, as reported by Fox News. The filing is described by multiple outle...
Right-of-center views on political news.
"The Washington Times is a conservative-leaning newspaper known for its political coverage and advocacy of right-of-center viewpoints."
— A47 Editor
Justice Department charges former FBI Director James Comey in new case
The Justice Department has charged former FBI Director James Comey in federal court in Washington DC with two counts related to the transmission of national defense information, including conspiracy, according to a court filing unsealed Monday. It is...
National headlines across the United States including breaking stories and societal issues.
"NBC News is a mainstream media outlet known for comprehensive national and international news coverage with a centrist to slightly left-leaning editorial tone."
— A47 Editor
James Comey charged for a third time by the Trump administration
The Justice Department has charged former FBI director James Comey with two counts related to the transmission of national defense information in federal court in Washington DC, marking the third time the Trump administration has filed criminal charg...
Corporate leadership, finance, technology, and market trends.
"Fortune covers financial trends, leadership, and innovation with a pragmatic editorial approach."
— A47 Editor
‘The President is not above the law’: Judge finds DOJ illegally fired James Comey’s daughter
A federal judge ruled that the Department of Justice illegally fired Maurene Comey, an assistant U.S. attorney for a decade who was dismissed in July 2025 despite her work on some of the nation's highest-profile cases, with the court stating that the...