Justice Department Files Third Federal Criminal Case Against Former FBI Director James Comey Over 2016 Leak Allegations
What happened
Federal prosecutors unsealed criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey on October 26, 2026, alleging transmission of national defense information and conspiracy regarding an unauthorized 2016 media disclosure about Yahoo email surveillance.
The Context
* Procedural maneuvering: Prosecutors filed the charges via criminal information under seal on October 5, 2026, to toll the 10-year statute of limitations before unsealing the case once Comey moved to dismiss. * The legal defense: Comey's defense team, led by attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, filed a motion to dismiss, arguing the action is time-barred and improperly filed without a grand jury indictment. * Pattern of filings: The case follows two previous federal actions since January 2025, including a dismissed action and an April 2026 indictment in North Carolina.
The Number
— the total number of separate federal criminal cases brought against James Comey by the Department of Justice since January 2025, underscoring ongoing procedural friction between the current administration and former agency leadership.
Takeaway
Judge Trevor McFadden will evaluate the defense's motion to dismiss, establishing whether the government met the strict 10-year statutory deadline through an information filing rather than a standard grand jury indictment.
Market-moving headlines impacting equities, bonds, and related risk assets.
"Real-time catalysts and volatility drivers across indices and sectors."
— A47 Editor
Ex-FBI chief Comey faces third prosecution attempt by Trump Justice Department
Former FBI Director James Comey faces a third prosecution attempt by the Trump Justice Department, according to a report from Investing.com. The article identifies Comey, Trump, and the Justice Department as the central entities in the story, with th...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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
James Comey Charged Again: DOJ Claims He Mishandled National Defense Info
James Comey has been charged again, with the Department of Justice alleging he mishandled national defense information, according to Forbes. The development comes after Comey was previously charged in April over an alleged social media post threateni...
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...