Continue our breaking news coverage. The indictment of New York Attorney General Leticia James on bank fraud charges comes after she has spent years publicly and legally tangling with President Trump. James defenders say these new charges are obviously retaliation for those high-profile cases.Now, her critics say she's the one who made things political campaigning in 2018 specifically about how she would target Trump. And she said this in a video posted on the day after she was elected. We're going to defin ...

Legal & Political Analysis - The indictment of Leticia James is viewed by some as potential political retaliation, contrasting with the due process afforded to Donald Trump in James's case against him [2][4][5] - The speed of the grand jury's decision, reaching a verdict on its first day, raises questions about the process [7] - Career prosecutors and even Trump appointees initially did not believe there was sufficient evidence to indict Leticia James, suggesting a departure from standard DOJ practices [2][10] - The appointment of Lindseay Halligan, a US attorney with limited experience, is questioned regarding its legality and potential impact on the validity of prosecutions [14] - Concerns are raised about the weaponization of the Justice Department for political purposes, potentially chilling individuals from standing up to power [13][16] Department of Justice & Rule of Law - The Eastern District of Virginia, traditionally known for its rigorous terrorism and national security prosecutions, risks being tainted by perceived political prosecutions [11][12] - The DOJ's manual advises against bringing cases out of pettiness, political goals, or animosity, emphasizing the need for solid facts and public interest [13] - There are concerns about the potential invocation of the Insurrection Act and the use of the military to assert control, potentially impacting future elections [15] Selective Prosecution & Hypocrisy - Allegations of selective prosecution arise, pointing to instances where Trump's cabinet members faced similar mortgage issues as those James is being accused of [16] - Trump's public statements directing the Attorney General to indict political opponents are seen as evidence of payback and a chilling effect on dissent [17][18]

Breaking news tonight. One of President Trump's biggest critics indicted just weeks after the president publicly called for her prosecution. New York's attorney general, Leticia James, indicted by a grand jury for bank fraud and false statements.The president had pushed his attorney general to charge her after James won a judgment against him for hundreds of millions of dollars. Tonight, her vow to fight in court. Plus, the historic breakthrough in the Middle East.celebrations across Israel today and in Gaz ...

Legal & Political Developments - New York Attorney General Leticia James was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of bank fraud and lying to a financial institution [1] - The charges allege James falsely represented a home in Virginia as her secondary residence to obtain better loan terms, intending to rent it out as an investment property [1] - James claims the charges are baseless and politically motivated retribution [1] - An interim US attorney stated the charges represent intentional criminal acts and breaches of public trust [1] - A top prosecutor was ousted after concluding there was not enough evidence to charge Comey or James [2] - James previously sued Trump, his sons, and his company for fraud, securing a $500 million civil judgment, which was later overturned on appeal as excessive [2]

Legal & Political Analysis - The indictment of Leticia James is viewed by some as politically motivated, resembling a tit-for-tat response, but facts and due process differ significantly from the case she brought against Donald Trump [1] - Career officials and Trump appointees initially did not find sufficient evidence to justify the case against Leticia James [1][4] - The speed of the grand jury's decision, reaching a verdict on its first day, is unusual [1] - The Eastern District of Virginia prosecutors felt pressured to bring the case, with some resigning due to ethical concerns [1] - The case against Leticia James is considered weak, with concerns that it doesn't meet the minimum evidentiary standards for conviction [1][3] Department of Justice & Political Influence - The Department of Justice is being exploited and manipulated, with an Attorney General willing to do the bidding of the administration [9] - There is a concern that the current administration is engaging in autocratic and authoritarian efforts, targeting critics and those not on the "Trump team" [10] - The legacy of the Eastern District of Virginia office, known for rigorous terrorism prosecutions, is being tainted by politically motivated prosecutions [1] - The Department of Justice's manual advises against bringing cases based on pettiness, political goals, or animosity [2]

NBC News chief justice and national affairs correspondent Kelly O'Donnell joins me now with more. Also back with us is NBC News legal analyst Carol Lamb. Kelly O'Donnell, let me start with you.Talk about the significance of this and what more do we know. Well, of course this is set against the backdrop of the president having identified Leticia James, a Democratic uh statewide attorney general for New York as one of his perceived political enemies. She of course in her political career brought charges again ...

Fraudulent Activities - The postal worker, Maryanne Magdam, funded a luxurious lifestyle by stealing checks and credit cards from the mail [1] - Magdam stole debit/credit cards, sometimes acquiring social security numbers to activate them and using fake phone numbers to conceal her actions [2][3] - She used stolen cards at places like the Apple store and worked with co-conspirators to cash checks with fake IDs or sell unused cards, earning approximately $500 per instance [4] - Magdam targeted EDD cards (prepaid debit cards for unemployment, disability, and paid family leave) [5] Evidence and Legal Proceedings - Authorities found stacks of cash, 113 credit/debit cards, 20 checks, and a loaded ghost gun at her apartment, with luxury goods appraised at $21,000 [2] - A camera mounted inside her mail truck showed her sorting mail and putting some into her bag, which was used as evidence [6][7] - Magdam pleaded guilty to bank fraud and agreed to hand over over $8,000 in cash, a Rolex watch, and designer items [5] - She faces up to 30 years in prison [6]