NewsWPLG Local 10 – PoliticsNovember 3, 2026Miami-Dade County
Federal Judge Dismisses Charges Against Ex-FBI Officials, Citing Weaponization
Photo: WPLG Local 10 – Politics
A federal judge dismissed a criminal complaint against two former FBI officials accused of lying to Congress about Hunter Biden, citing political weaponization of the Justice Department. U.S. Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui ruled that the investigation was rushed, flawed, and initiated for political purposes ahead of midterm elections.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – PoliticsWhy It Matters
The ruling halts a politically charged federal prosecution of former high-ranking law enforcement officials and highlights ongoing judicial scrutiny over Justice Department charging decisions.
Key Facts
- U.S. Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui dismissed a criminal complaint against former FBI officials Nikki Floris and Bradley Benavides.
- The judge cited the 'weaponization' of the Justice Department and stated the investigation was rushed and conducted at the behest of President Trump and FBI Director Kash Patel.
- Prosecutors had accused the officials of falsely downplaying their knowledge of congressional investigations into Hunter Biden and a 2019 laptop.
- FBI agent Bryan Witt testified that the investigation was viewed in his office as a witch hunt and a huge distraction from ordinary casework.
- The judge noted that the criminal complaint erroneously claimed the officials testified under oath before the House Judiciary Committee when they were not under oath.
- The Justice Department retains the option to pursue a grand jury indictment, although prosecutors have recently struggled to secure grand jury indictments in politically charged cases in Washington.
Who's Mentioned
PersonCassidy Hutchinson“Former White House staffer whose proposed grand jury indictment failed to be sec”PersonKash Patel“FBI Director who allegedly demanded and received constant updates on the investi”PersonHunter Biden“Subject of congressional investigations and the laptop controversy central to th”PersonJohn Ratcliffe“Former intelligence director who stated there were no signs of foreign involveme”PersonJoe Biden“Former president and father of Hunter Biden.”PersonBradley Benavides“Former FBI official who was a defendant in the dismissed criminal complaint.”PersonBryan Witt“FBI agent assigned to investigate the case who testified about pressure and the ”PersonNikki Floris“Former FBI official who was a defendant in the dismissed criminal complaint.”PersonDonald Trump“President whose administration and Justice Department were cited by the judge re”PersonZia Faruqui“U.S. Magistrate Judge who presided over the case and dismissed the complaint.”