Judge says possible errors by Lindsey Halligan could imperil Comey case

Politico ^ | November 17, 2025 | Kyle Cheney and Josh Gerstein

[Miami Rebel]

A federal magistrate judge says “government misconduct” may have tainted the criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey, describing a cascade of apparent errors by lead prosecutor Lindsey Halligan.

The magistrate judge, William Fitzpatrick, ordered prosecutors Monday to quickly turn over records of secret grand jury proceedings to defense attorneys as they seek to dismiss the false-statement and obstruction-of-Congress charges pending against Comey in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia.

Judge says possible errors by Lindsey Halligan could imperil Comey case In a rare move, the judge ordered prosecutors to hand over records of the grand jury proceeding to the former FBI director’s lawyers.

Lindsey Halligan speaks. The judge said Lindsey Halligan appeared to make two “fundamental misstatements of law” to the grand jury that could jeopardize the indictment altogether. | Jacquelyn Martin/AP

By Kyle Cheney and Josh Gerstein 11/17/2025 11:46 AM EST Updated: 11/17/2025 12:43 PM EST

A federal magistrate judge says “government misconduct” may have tainted the criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey, describing a cascade of apparent errors by lead prosecutor Lindsey Halligan.

The magistrate judge, William Fitzpatrick, ordered prosecutors Monday to quickly turn over records of secret grand jury proceedings to defense attorneys as they seek to dismiss the false-statement and obstruction-of-Congress charges pending against Comey in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia.

“The Court recognizes this is an extraordinary remedy,” Fitzpatrick wrote in a 24-page opinion, “but given the factually based challenges the defense has raised to the government’s conduct and the prospect that government misconduct may have tainted the grand jury proceedings, disclosure of grand jury materials under these unique circumstances is necessary.”

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TOPICS: Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: comey; halligan; incompetent; joshgerstein; judgewatch; kylecheney; nevertrumping; politico; pollutico; sounqualified; williamfitzpatrick

[Carry_Okie]

What is a magistrate judge doing handling this case?

[Sacajaweau]

“possible” errors...

[HombreSecreto]

They’re fishing for who is cooperating with the prosecution?

[old school]

Can we please get government that’s neither incompetent nor corrupt?

[bigbob]

She did what no one else seemed capable or interested in doing. If mistakes were made, start over, do it right, and get him on something else.

[lee martell]

If this case is thrown out, Pam will be quietly gloating.

[KC Burke]

See it only takes a few weeks to print up these Get Out of Jail Free cards.

[Retain Mike]

This case is much too important not to assemble the best team available from DOJ and then practice before the best adversaries DOJ can find.

Why wasn't this approach obvious?

In a one-hour meeting, Trump could have resolved the issue. In certain critical situations managers need to get into the details.

[Miami Rebel]

Halligan is a real estate lawyer who has never prosecuted a single case. This is on-the-job training for her.

[ryderann]

I asked DDG if a magistrate judge was a minor judge:
“Yes, a magistrate judge typically holds a lower-level position with limited authority compared to higher-level judges, handling minor legal matters such as traffic violations and small claims cases. Their powers are more constrained, focusing on specific types of cases and administrative duties.”
loio.com Ballotpedia

[digger48]

Trumps TS posts didn’t help matters much

[Miami Rebel]

We’ll see where this goes, but it’s not as if the government get unlimited opportunities to get a case right.

One perhaps insurmountable problem is the misuse of warrants.

[avital2]

i believe the DOJ’s conspiracy case- in development - is THE case that the Bad Boys Clappe Brennan Comey McCabe Strzok fear, not this one. i don’t think Halligan had nearly enough time to save this case from statute of limitations expiration. we shall see but of course the motives of this judge are suspect. every penny we wrench from Comey’s pocket for legal fees - and every moment of anguish and every sleepless night for him and family are to the good! he plotted against a sitting President, weaponizing his office, abusing the Constitution.

[avital2]

*ClappeR

[Racketeer]

There is much more coming for Comey than a contempt charge. This was his wake up call.

[Gay State Conservative]

The Deep State is clearly alive and well.

[Paladin2]

It’s OK, the process is the punishment.

Comey shoulda been perp-walked.

[Pilsner]

In the Federal System, magistrates are appointed judges who conduct preliminary hearings, and make rulings, which are usually subject to, not actually, being overruled by a appointed US District Judge.

US Magistrates hear portions of all types of cases, even the most important.

[Oystir]

They were faced with a Statute of Limitations. No-one put a case together - at all. Meaning there was never any intention to prosecute Comey. The indictment is slap dash. You could go on and on with problems. This Lisa chick is thrown in at the last second to get a grand jury indictment. Now there is a mess on aisle #1 to try to clean-up. Like Epstein, this is a huge unforced error by the administration