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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedJuly 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 a numerical pattern that prosecutors claim was a threat against the President.

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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 to dismiss the case against James Comey, alleging federal officials misled judges and withheld key facts.
  • The case charges Comey with threatening President Donald Trump via an Instagram post depicting seashells arranged as '86 47'.
  • Prosecutors allege the numbers constitute a threat against the 47th president; Comey's defense argues the term '86' is a common slang for 'get rid of'.
  • Defense filings allege the FBI searched internal databases and interviewed Salvatore Gravano, finding no evidence that Comey associated '86' with violence.
  • Defense lawyers claim search warrant affidavits contained false statements, including incorrect insinuations about Comey's wife and attorney.
  • Defense lawyers allege the Secret Service conducted 'unlawful' electronic surveillance of Comey and his wife.
  • The defense claims a witness who initially interpreted '86' as a menu term only changed their testimony after hearing claims from Rudy Giuliani, which the FBI reportedly knew were untrue.
  • A previous case against Comey regarding lying to Congress was dismissed in November 2017 due to the illegal appointment of the prosecutor.
  • Comey was fired as FBI Director in May 2017 during the investigation into ties between Russia and the Trump campaign.

Who's Mentioned

personPam Bondi“Former official replaced by Todd Blanche.”personBarack Obama“Former President who appointed Comey.”personJohn Gambino“Reputed mobster whose case Comey previously worked on.”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.”