10-Year Clock: New Federal Charge Filed Against James Comey

The ten-year window to prosecute James Comey for leaking classified information in 2016 was set to expire earlier this month. To stop that deadline from passing, the US Justice Department filed a criminal information in Washington federal court on October 5. The document was unsealed on Monday at the request of Comey's legal team.

The filing accuses Comey of transmitting and conspiring to transmit national defense information. Specifically, the charge alleges he shared classified material with a reporter from The New York Times in October 2016. A Justice Department spokesperson called the move a widely recognized practice in federal court. The department stated it is an ongoing criminal investigation and declined to provide further comment.

Comey took to Instagram to respond to the news. In a video, he said, "they're back again," referring to the Justice Department. He added, "I'm still innocent," though he did not offer further details. His lawyers have already asked a judge to dismiss the case, arguing the legal process is improper.

This is the third time the Justice Department has charged Comey. The first case involved false statements to Congress about media leaks, which a judge dismissed. The second case involves threats made in a social media post directed at President Donald Trump, and that matter remains pending.

Patrick Fitzgerald, Comey's lawyer, issued a statement regarding the new filing. He said the document purports to charge Mr. Comey with crimes that he did not commit. The next step in this legal process will be determined by the federal court in Washington.

The criminal information was filed on October 5. It became public on Monday, October 27, after the defense team requested it be unsealed. The case adds to the legal battles Comey is currently facing in federal court.