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NewsWPLG Local 10 – PoliticsJuly 29, 2026United States

Defense lawyers allege misconduct in prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey

Lawyers for former FBI Director James Comey have filed motions to dismiss a criminal case against him, alleging that federal investigators misled judges and withheld evidence. The case stems from an Instagram post featuring seashells arranged in the numbers '86 47,' which prosecutors allege was a threat against President Donald Trump.

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Why It Matters

The outcome of this case will determine whether the criminal charges against a former high-ranking federal official proceed or are dismissed based on allegations of prosecutorial misconduct and .

Key Facts

  • Defense lawyers filed motions seeking the dismissal of the case against James Comey, alleging prosecutorial misconduct.
  • The case charges Comey with threatening President Trump via an Instagram post depicting seashells arranged as '86 47'.
  • Defense lawyers allege investigators withheld evidence that FBI database searches for the term '86' in relation to Comey yielded inconclusive results.
  • Defense lawyers claim investigators omitted that a witness initially interpreted '86' as a menu item before being influenced by Rudy Giuliani's claims.
  • The FBI reportedly investigated Giuliani's claim that '86' was mafia slang for 'kill' and determined it to be untrue.
  • Defense lawyers allege the Secret Service conducted 'unlawful' electronic surveillance of Comey and his wife.
  • The defense argues the prosecution is a 'vindictive and selective' effort driven by the President's personal animus.
  • A previous case against Comey in Virginia was dismissed in November after a judge ruled the prosecutor was illegally appointed.
  • Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated in April that the government intends to prove intent through witnesses and documents.
  • Comey was fired as FBI Director in May 2017.

Who's Mentioned

personPam Bondi“Former official whose ouster led to Blanche's elevation.”personBarack Obama“Former President who appointed Comey.”personJohn Gambino“Reputed mobster whose case Comey worked on as a prosecutor.”personLetitia James“New York Attorney General.”personGeorge W. Bush“Former President.”personTodd Blanche“Acting Attorney General.”personRudy Giuliani“Trump loyalist whose online show discussed the term '86'.”personJames Comey“Former FBI Director and defendant in the case.”personSalvatore Gravano“Government cooperator interviewed by investigators.”personDonald Trump“President of the United States.”