James Comey, the previous director of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, has entered a plea of not guilty to allegations of providing false statements to legislators and hindering a congressional process.
On Wednesday morning, Mr Comey’s attorney submitted the plea in a federal court located in Alexandria, Virginia.
Patrick Fitzgerald mentioned he aims to have the case thrown out for multiple reasons, including that his client, a critic of President Donald Trump, is being unfairly targeted.
Mr Comey was indicted shortly after Trump urged his attorney general to take action against him.
A judge set the trial date for January 5 following a request from Mr Comey’s lawyers for a swift trial.
Both the prosecution and defense anticipated that the trial would last merely two to three days.
In court on Wednesday, Comey’s lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald informed the judge of their intention to submit several motions to dismiss the case before the trial, arguing that the prosecution was retaliatory and that a US attorney was improperly assigned to manage the case.
Mr Comey’s case was initially overseen by Erik Siebert, a Virginia prosecutor who resigned under Trump’s pressure after his probe into another political foe – New York Attorney General Letitia James – did not result in any criminal charges. Trump subsequently appointed Lindsey Halligan as his replacement.
Mr Comey appeared cheerful as he entered the courtroom on Wednesday, engaging in conversation with his lawyers and making jokes. He was accompanied by his wife, Patrice Failor, and daughter Maureen Comey, who is a federal prosecutor recently dismissed by the Trump administration.
After the judge outlined his rights and the two accusations against him during Wednesday’s court session, Mr Comey was inquired if he comprehended the charges.
“I do, Your Honor. Thank you very much,” he responded to the court.
US District Judge Michael Nachmanoff indicated that each of the two charges carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine reaching up to $200,000 (£149,442).
Representing the government, Ms Halligan assumed the position of top federal prosecutor in Virginia’s eastern district in September.
Within less than a week in the role, she secured a grand jury indictment against Mr Comey after prior prosecutors hesitated to pursue the case due to insufficient evidence.
The rapid progression was evident in Wednesday’s court hearings, as defense attorneys noted they lacked access to classified documents the prosecution planned to present as evidence.
“We believe the cart has been placed before the horse,” Mr Fitzgerald remarked.
Judge Nachmanoff cautioned the government: “I will not delay this case because the government fails to promptly provide information.”
Mr Comey served as the FBI Director from 2013 to 2017 and was terminated roughly four months into Trump’s first presidency. At that moment, Mr Comey was leading an inquiry into Russian interference in elections and exploring potential links between Moscow and Trump’s campaign.
During his time in office, Mr Comey faced backlash from Democrats after revealing just days prior to the 2016 presidential election that he was probing Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server. No charges were ever filed against Clinton, resulting in criticism from Republicans as well.
Since departing from government service, Mr Comey has consistently criticized the Trump administration.
The federal government claims Mr Comey misled Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee session in September 2020 when he was questioned regarding both the Clinton and Russia investigations. They contend he misled the Senate by asserting he had not permitted anyone at the FBI to leak information about the FBI inquiries to the media.
Prosecutors further accuse Mr Comey of “corruptly endeavor[ing] to influence, obstruct, and impede” the panel by making false declarations to it.
In a video Mr Comey shared on Instagram following his indictment, he proclaimed his innocence and accused Trump of behaving like a “tyrant.”
“My family and I have known for years that there are consequences for opposing Donald Trump,” he stated. “We will not live on our knees.”
“I’m innocent,” he asserted. “So let’s conduct a trial.”
The accusations against Mr Comey emerged after Trump took to social media demanding his attorney general, Pam Bondi, to pursue prosecution against Mr Comey and others.
