Judge Rules NJ U.S. Attorney Leaders Unlawful

A federal judge in Pennsylvania ruled on Monday that three attorneys appointed to lead the U.S. Attorney's Office in New Jersey are serving unlawfully, intensifying a prolonged legal conflict over the office's leadership under the Trump administration.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann disqualified Philip Lamparello, Ari Fontecchio, and Jordan Fox, who had been dividing the responsibilities of the U.S. attorney position since December. The ruling, detailed in a 130-page opinion, found that their appointments by Attorney General Pam Bondi violated the Constitution's Appointments Clause by circumventing the requirement for Senate confirmation. Brann stayed the decision pending appeal, allowing the attorneys to continue their roles temporarily while the government responds.

The case originated from challenges by two defendants in ongoing federal prosecutions: Raheel Naviwala, convicted of defrauding Medicare and insurers of about $100 million, and Daniel Torres. Their lawyers argued that the office's leadership lacked proper authority, potentially invalidating the cases against them. Brann assigned himself to the matter to avoid conflicts among New Jersey's federal judges.