New York Attorney General Letitia James is under scrutiny following a federal criminal referral and an ethics complaint concerning a Virginia property she claimed as her principal residence in 2023. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) referred the case to the U.S. Department of Justice, alleging that James may have misrepresented her residency status to obtain a federally backed mortgage, potentially violating legal and ethical standards.
The timing of the alleged activity, reportedly occurring in late August 2023, coincided with James initiating a civil trial against the Trump Organization, which resulted in a substantial judgment against the company.
Adding to the controversy, the nonprofit watchdog group America First Legal filed an ethics complaint with the New York State Unified Court System’s Committee on Professional Standards. The complaint argues that James may have violated rules prohibiting dishonest or fraudulent behavior, regardless of criminal conviction.
Dan Epstein, Vice President of America First Legal, emphasized the public’s right to hold high-ranking legal officials accountable, stating that legal professionals are expected to uphold higher standards, especially when applying for federal financial benefits.
Legal analysts note that attorneys, particularly those in public service, are obligated to ensure the accuracy of their financial records and legal filings. As Attorney General, James would be held to those standards.
The Committee on Professional Standards has not released a statement, and no formal disciplinary action has been announced. The investigation into the mortgage claims is ongoing, and James has not issued a public response regarding the referral or the ethics complaint.