James Comey faces third federal charge for alleged disclosure of classified information to the New York Times in 2016. The Justice Department filed a criminal information to extend the 10-year statute of limitations, prompting Comey's legal team to challenge the charges as invalid.
The charges stem from an October 2016 investigation into a secret court order requiring Yahoo to scan emails for messages linked to a foreign terrorist organization. Federal authorities previously concluded no charges should be brought, but the Department of Justice is now seeking to charge Comey again despite the statute of limitations.
Comey's lawyers argue the charges are baseless and part of an ongoing effort to target political opponents. The case highlights tensions between the Department of Justice and Comey, who was fired by Trump in 2017 amid an FBI investigation into potential Russian ties.
Comey's legal team has filed a motion to dismiss the charges, citing the statute of limitations and the lack of judicial approval. Legal experts suggest the charges may be an attempt to undermine Comey's innocence and the independence of the federal judiciary.