Former FBI Director James Comey on the steps of the federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia, ahead of a short arraignment. He has pleaded not guilty to making false statement and obstruction of a congressional investigation. The criminal charges stem from his misleading testimony to Congress back in September of 2020. That testimony is now—as of a September 25 indictment by a federal grand jury—very much in the crosshairs.
James Comey arrives at the courthouse to testify, on Sept. 30, 2019. He was joined by his legal team, but with his wife and daughter Maurene, for support. Maurene was actually terminated last month from her long store as a federal prosecutor within the Southern District of NY. Immediately after Comey’s indictment, her husband — Troy Edwards Jr. — resigned from his role as a prosecutor in Virginia’s Eastern District.
At Comey’s arraignment Friday, U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff formally read each of the 17 charges that Comey faces. When pressed on whether he was aware of the allegations, Comey answered in the affirmative, “I am, your honor.” Patrick Fitzgerald, his attorney, told Judge Nachmanoff afterwards that they were on eggshells. He noted that the defense team had just recently started talking with prosecutors about what the case would look like.
The indictment alleges that Comey made a false statement during his congressional testimony and obstructed the investigation into potential misconduct. Comey’s legal team argued at least some of the allegations were too vague. Further, they noted that they have not been provided enumerated particulars regarding the false statements claimed nor the names of the unnamed persons referred to in the indictment.
In advance of these charges, Comey rejected all guilt. He stated, “I have great confidence in the federal judicial system and I’m innocent. So let’s have a trial. And keep the faith.”
We’re pleased that Judge Nachmanoff, echoing the concerns we expressed as amicus curiae, recognized how egregious the case was on its face. He is holding the trial provisionally for January 5, 2026.
“This does not appear to me to be an overly complicated case.” – Michael Nachmanoff
Comey’s indictment has received a significant amount of ink. This is particularly evident given that he was in charge of the FBI during perhaps the most politically inflammatory era in American history. The fallout has impacted his family, as Maurene’s dismissal from her prosecutorial position and Troy Edwards Jr.’s resignation have raised questions about potential conflicts of interest.
As Comey’s legal issues play out, Donald Trump has been the loudest voice calling for Comey’s indictment. He said he worried about this because of the reputational damage it could inflict. He stated, “We can’t delay any longer. It’s killing our reputation and credibility.”
As the case progresses through the judicial system, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact Comey’s public stature and personal life. Regardless, the legal proceedings will focus on the strength of the evidence against him. At the same time, they will set an important standard for accountability at the highest levels of government service.