Letitia James All Smiles at First Court Appearance After Federal Arraignment

New York Attorney General Letitia James entered federal court on Friday with a broad smile and upbeat demeanor despite standing accused of serious financial crimes. James pleaded not guilty to two felony counts tied to a Virginia property purchase, but her public remarks outside court raised eyebrows for their theatrics and lack of accountability.

When prompted by U.S. District Judge Jamar Walker, the 67-year-old answered only “Yes” when asked if she understood her rights and then replied, “Not guilty, judge, to both counts.” Her attorney, Democratic insider Abbe Lowell, handled the remainder of the plea.

Outside, James attempted to rally supporters by co-opting the words of Martin Luther King Jr., declaring, “I believe that justice will rain down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

Her backers responded with chants of “We Stand With Tish!” and “No Fear!” Nowhere in her remarks, however, did she actually assert her innocence.

James was indicted October 9th on one count of bank fraud and one count of making false statements to a financial institution. Federal prosecutors allege she secured favorable mortgage terms – saving nearly $19,000 – by falsely claiming she would occupy a Norfolk home as her secondary residence. Instead, according to the indictment, the property was used as a rental, housing her grandniece.

During the half-hour hearing, James was released on a personal recognizance bond, with trial scheduled for January 26th, 2026. Prosecutor Roger Keller told the court the government is prepared to call up to 10 witnesses.

James’ legal team is expected to argue that interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan was improperly appointed by former President Donald Trump. Halligan previously represented Trump and assumed the post after her predecessor was forced out. James has claimed this proves the case is politically motivated.

In remarks outside court, James again painted herself as a target. “This is not about me,” she insisted. “This is about all of us and about a justice system which has been weaponized. . . . This justice system which has been used as a tool of revenge and a weapon against those who simply did their jobs and stood up for the rule of law.”

She continued with a defiant tone: “But my faith is strong! I have this belief in the justice system and the rule of law. And I have a belief in America and all of its individuals who have stood with me – not only in New York but all across this nation.”

James then added, “I have heard from just about every jurisdiction in this nation who have said, ‘Stand up and be tall. Never ever bow down or back down or break or bend.’”

Yet court records show James herself has treated the Norfolk property as an investment. State ethics filings documented rental income between $1,000 and $5,000 per year since 2020, undermining her sworn mortgage application. The property only appeared on her official asset disclosures this year, after federal officials flagged discrepancies in her loan paperwork.

In her initial response to the indictment earlier this month, James dismissed the charges as “baseless,” calling them politically motivated by Trump. Notably, she did not repeat that language on Friday.

James’ case arrives less than a year after she secured a high-profile civil judgment against the Trump Organization that was later overturned on appeal, vacated a $355 million penalty she had touted. Her office continues to pursue reinstatement of that fine, which, with interest, now exceeds $500 million.

Her next hearing is set for December 5th where her defense team is expected to flood the court with motions aimed at delaying or derailing the trial.

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Letitia James All Smiles at First Court Appearance After Federal Arraignment