Clinton-Appointed Judge Orders FBI to Destroy Evidence in Comey Case
A Clinton-appointed federal judge has ordered the FBI to destroy emails central to the obstruction and false statements case against former FBI Director James Comey, a decision that legal experts warn could cripple prosecutors’ ability to pursue a new indictment and set off a constitutional showdown over separation of powers.
U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, who sits on the D.C. District Court, issued the surprise order on December 13, directing the FBI to permanently delete all data seized from Columbia Law Professor Daniel Richman—Comey’s longtime friend and former government contractor—by 4 p.m. Monday.
The emails include key exchanges between Richman and Comey that prosecutors allege show Comey authorized leaks and false testimony about his role in Operation Crossfire Hurricane.
The ruling follows the September indictment of Comey on two counts—making false statements to Congress and obstruction of a congressional proceeding—related to his 2020 testimony about the FBI’s Trump-Russia investigation. Prosecutors allege Comey falsely denied using intermediaries to leak classified material to the press, and that he used Richman as an outside conduit for anti-Trump leaks while Richman held a government contract.
Six years ago, Judge James Boasberg—himself an Obama appointee—signed the warrant that allowed the FBI to seize Richman’s devices. But Kollar-Kotelly’s order, issued from a separate court and in a separate district, now directs the destruction of that same evidence.
“This ruling threatens the separation of powers essential to the Republic, and either the D.C. Circuit or Supreme Court must intervene immediately,” said Mike Davis, president of the Article III Project and a former Senate Judiciary Committee counsel.
Richman, who is not charged in the case, petitioned for the return of his emails under Rule 41(g) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, arguing that the government violated his Fourth Amendment rights by seizing and reviewing his communications. Rule 41(g) typically allows a defendant to recover property obtained in an unlawful search—but in this case, Richman is a third party, not a defendant, and the communications in question include evidence against a sitting defendant, James Comey.
Despite this, Judge Kollar-Kotelly granted Richman’s motion and ordered that a single copy of the emails be provided to Judge Michael Nachmanoff, who is presiding over the Comey case in Virginia, but barred prosecutors from reviewing or relying on the material in any future filings.
“The FBI and the prosecution will be unable to review them in their efforts to seek a new indictment if [Judge Cameron] Currie’s dismissal ruling survives on appeal,” Davis said. “Even if a higher court reverses Currie, the government’s inability to review the emails to use as evidence and prepare for trial would massively hamper its case.”
Judge Currie, another Clinton appointee in South Carolina, dismissed the Comey indictment last month, ruling that the appointment of interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan—who led the prosecution—was unconstitutional. The Justice Department has appealed Currie’s ruling to the Fourth Circuit.
Davis called the ruling “unprecedented judicial sabotage,” arguing that “Richman has run to a partisan Democrat judge not even involved in the criminal case — and not even in the same district — to procure the destruction of crucial evidence in that case in an obvious effort to assist his friend Comey.”
In a separate op-ed published by Fox News, Davis warned that the decision fits a larger pattern of “leftist judicial interference” aimed at shielding political allies while undermining accountability for the Trump-era lawfare architects.
“Now, a Clinton-appointed judge in the District of Columbia, Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, has interfered even more egregiously with the government’s case,” Davis wrote. “Courts do not order the FBI to destroy evidence in pending investigations — except when the evidence is harmful to a lawfare perpetrator like Comey.”
The Justice Department is expected to seek an emergency stay from the D.C. Circuit or the U.S. Supreme Court before Monday’s deadline.
If the order stands, prosecutors may lose access to one of the few remaining troves of direct evidence linking Comey to alleged leaks and obstruction. And if higher courts fail to intervene, it could mark the first time in recent memory that a federal judge outside a criminal case has ordered the destruction of key evidence against a former FBI director.
Spencer Pratt SURGES POSTING VIRAL LA Animal Ad And THIS Happens As He NOW Leads Over Karen Bass FULL STORY: In a surprising twist in the Los Angeles mayoral race, reality TV star Spencer Pratt has surged ahead in the polls, challenging incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. As the election approaches, Pratt's campaign has gained momentum, resonating with voters through a viral animal welfare advertisement that highlights the plight of neglected animals in the city. This ad has sparked discussions about Bass's handling of the animal shelter crisis and homelessness in Los Angeles. With only days left until the election, Pratt's message is clear: he aims to bring about significant change by addressing these pressing issues. Meanwhile, Bass continues her campaign efforts, facing increasing pressure as the race tightens. The dynamics of this election have captured national attention, raising questions about celebrity influence in politics and the future of Los Angeles. - Trends.newsonline.biz
Spencer Pratt SURGES POSTING VIRAL LA Animal Ad And THIS Happens As He NOW Leads Over Karen Bass
In an unprecedented turn of events, the Los Angeles mayoral race has taken a dramatic twist as reality television star Spencer Pratt emerges as a serious contender against the incumbent mayor, Karen Bass.
The campaign has gained national attention, with Pratt wrapping up a media tour in New York City that has propelled him into the spotlight.
As the election date draws near, the race has become increasingly competitive, with recent polls indicating a neck-and-neck battle between Pratt and Bass.
Matt Finn, reporting from Los Angeles, highlights the tense atmosphere as both candidates ramp up their efforts to secure votes.
Karen Bass, the Democratic incumbent, has been actively campaigning, holding rallies and events to galvanize her supporters.
At a recent rally at the SEIU Union Building, Bass addressed her opponents, including Pratt, whom she referred to as a “TV reality star villain.”
Her remarks drew laughter from the crowd as she emphasized the importance of choosing a leader who truly cares for the community rather than a celebrity figure.
Bass’s campaign is focused on her experience and commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing Los Angeles, including homelessness and public safety.
However, Pratt’s campaign is gaining traction as he appeals directly to mothers and animal lovers, positioning himself as a candidate who will prioritize the needs of families and pets.
In a recent interview with Fox News, Pratt stated, “Moms are getting me elected because I’m saying, ‘Oh, as mayor, I’m going to enforce the law and make sure moms and kids can use their parks again.’”
He emphasized the need to combat illegal encampments and restore safety in neighborhoods, presenting himself as a candidate of change.
Pratt’s message resonates with voters who are frustrated with the current state of affairs in Los Angeles, particularly regarding homelessness and animal welfare.
His campaign has gained momentum thanks to a viral advertisement that highlights the plight of animals in the city’s shelters and on the streets, particularly in areas like Skid Row.
In the ad, Pratt draws a parallel between the unconditional love of dogs and the need for compassion towards all living beings, stating, “There’s a reason dog is just God backwards.”
He criticizes Bass for neglecting the animal crisis and vows to put an end to the suffering of animals in the city.
The advertisement has garnered significant attention on social media, with many praising Pratt for bringing attention to the issue of animal welfare.
As the polls tighten, Pratt’s campaign is reportedly outpacing Bass in fundraising, raising concerns for the incumbent as she intensifies her efforts to rally support.
Bass has been seen actively soliciting votes, providing instructions on how to vote and encouraging constituents to participate in the electoral process.
Amid the heightened competition, Pratt’s campaign continues to gain traction, with reports indicating that he has surpassed Bass in some polls, leading to a surge of excitement among his supporters.
With just days left until the election, the stakes are high, and the outcome remains uncertain.
Pratt’s campaign has sparked discussions about the influence of celebrity in politics and the potential for a reality TV star to become a legitimate political leader.
As both candidates prepare for the final push, the Los Angeles mayoral race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched elections in recent history.
The implications of this election extend beyond Los Angeles, as it raises questions about the future of political leadership and the role of public figures in shaping policy.
In the coming days, voters will have the opportunity to make their voices heard and decide the future of their city.
With the election fast approaching, all eyes are on Los Angeles as the race unfolds.
As Spencer Pratt continues to gain momentum, the question remains: can a reality star truly lead a city, or will the political establishment prevail once again?
Regardless of the outcome, this election has captured the attention of the nation and may set the stage for future political dynamics in America.
The Los Angeles mayoral race serves as a reminder of the power of grassroots movements and the impact of public sentiment on the electoral process.
As the candidates make their final appeals to voters, the future of Los Angeles hangs in the balance, and the city awaits the decision of its residents.
