- Judge Fitzpatrick publicly rebuked the DOJ for "profound investigative missteps" that may have undermined the grand jury's integrity.
- Those errors could derail the prosecution, prompting motions, appeals, or dismissal and raising broader trust concerns about DOJ handling.
In a stunning courtroom rebuke, a federal judge has called out the Department of Justice for what he described as serious blunders in the ongoing criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey.
This development adds another layer of controversy to an already explosive legal battle that’s been making waves in Washington circles.
Comey, who served as FBI director under President Obama and briefly under Trump before his dramatic firing in 2017, found himself in hot water back in September.
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He was hit with charges of obstruction of justice and making a false statement to Congress.
These accusations stem from a grand jury indictment, and they’ve kept political pundits buzzing ever since.
Fast forward to today—November 17, 2025—and things got even more intense.
Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick, overseeing the case in the Eastern District of Virginia, didn’t hold back in his criticism of the DOJ’s approach.
In a written order, he highlighted issues that he believes compromised the process right from the start.
Let’s break this down.
Details of the Investigation
Comey entered a not guilty plea shortly after the charges dropped, and he’s been pushing back hard.
One of his key moves was challenging the legitimacy of the prosecution under U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan.
Halligan stepped into the role after the previous U.S. Attorney, Erik Sibert, resigned—timing that has raised a few eyebrows on its own.
But the real fireworks came from Judge Fitzpatrick’s assessment of the grand jury proceedings.
He pointed to what he called a “disturbing pattern” of errors involving key players in the investigation.
Specifically, an FBI agent and a prosecutor were singled out for actions that could have jeopardized the whole thing.
Here’s exactly what the judge said in his order:
“[T]he record points to a disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps, missteps that led an FBI agent and a prosecutor to potentially undermine the integrity of the grand jury proceeding.”
That’s some strong language from the bench, and it’s got legal experts wondering if this could derail the case entirely.
To understand why this matters, you have to zoom out a bit.
The Importance of Key Findings
Comey’s tenure at the FBI was marked by high-stakes decisions, including his handling of the Hillary Clinton email probe and the early days of the Russia investigation.
His firing by Trump in 2017 sparked a media frenzy and even contributed to the Mueller probe.
Now, years later, these new charges are dredging up old debates about accountability in the intelligence community.
What led to these “missteps”? The judge’s order doesn’t spell out every detail, but it focuses on how the grand jury process might have been tainted.
In federal cases like this, the grand jury is supposed to be a neutral body that decides if there’s enough evidence to indict.
Any hint of impropriety there can be a game-changer—think motions to dismiss or appeals down the line.
Halligan’s involvement is another wrinkle. As the current U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, she’s now at the helm of a district known for handling sensitive national security matters.
What Happens Next?
Comey’s team has specifically challenged the appointment of the federal prosecutor overseeing the false statement charges, arguing it might not hold up under scrutiny.
So, where does this leave things?
The case is still unfolding, with Comey’s arraignment happening back in September and his not guilty plea setting the stage for a potential trial.
But Judge Fitzpatrick’s blast at the DOJ could force some serious course corrections.
Will the prosecution regroup and push forward, or will this open the door for Comey to walk?
Legal watchers are keeping a close eye on this one, as it could have ripple effects beyond just Comey.
It touches on broader questions about how the Justice Department operates, especially in politically charged cases. If missteps like these become a pattern, it might erode public trust even further.
For now, all eyes are on the Eastern District of Virginia courtroom.
Stay tuned— this story is far from over.
Also Read: A DOJ Whistleblower Now Makes Revelation That Undermines the Judicial System’s Integrity
