Ex-FBI Director James Comey Faces Criminal Charges Over National Defense Disclosure

Former FBI Director James Comey is facing a new legal challenge as the Justice Department has filed a criminal information against him. The charges allege that Comey willfully communicated national defense information to an unauthorized person in connection with a disclosure in 2016.

The Justice Department initiated the two-count filing in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Prosecutors contend that Comey not only communicated national defense information but also conspired with others to unlawfully disclose it. The department stated that the filing was made to preserve the allegations before the statute of limitations expired, as an investigation remains ongoing.

"The Department filed a waiverless criminal information to toll the statute of limitations as it relates to allegations concerning former FBI Director Comey," a DOJ spokesperson said. "Filing a criminal information to toll the statute of limitations is a widely recognized practice in federal court and has been approved by multiple Circuit Courts of Appeals. This is an ongoing criminal investigation, and we will not comment further."

According to prosecutors, the alleged incident occurred on or about October 5, 2016, when Comey knowingly and willfully shared information related to the national defense with an individual not authorized to receive it. The charges also include an allegation of conspiracy to unlawfully disclose such information.

Comey has publicly denied the allegations, characterizing the Justice Department's action as an "appalling abuse." He stated in an Instagram post, "Nothing's changed with me. I'm still innocent. I'm not afraid of these people. And I still believe in the independent federal judiciary." Comey added that he and his legal team would "stand up in court and fight the latest and whatever comes after this."

The current case marks the third attempt by the Justice Department to prosecute Comey. Previous attempts include a case accusing him of lying to Congress, which was dismissed, and a separate case stemming from a social media post concerning seashells, which is still pending.