Justice Department files third criminal case against James Comey

The Justice Department has opened a third criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey. Federal officials accuse him of improperly sharing sensitive national security details nearly a decade ago. The allegations became public on Monday after a federal judge approved the release of court documents filed earlier this month.

Prosecutors state that Comey transmitted or conspired to transmit national defense information to an unauthorized person. The incident allegedly occurred in October 2016, while Comey served as FBI director. He reportedly shared the information with a reporter at that time.

This marks the latest legal action against Comey since President Donald Trump returned to the White House. It is the third criminal prosecution effort involving the former director. The first two cases have already been brought forward during the current administration.

The Justice Department filed a criminal information on October 5. This filing happened shortly before the 10-year statute of limitations for the alleged offense was set to expire. A criminal information allows prosecutors to charge a defendant without grand jury approval. An indictment, by contrast, requires that judicial step.

Prosecutors explained that the filing preserves their ability to pursue the allegations while the investigation continues. The legal team is moving to keep the case active before the deadline passed. The documents filed this month outline the specific claims regarding the 2016 disclosure.

The case adds to the legal scrutiny facing Comey. The new filing follows previous efforts to hold the former director accountable. The Justice Department continues its review of information shared during the early years of the Trump administration.