NewsKPBS Public MediaOctober 26, 2026San Diego County
Judge Jesse Furman rules DOJ unlawfully fired former federal prosecutor Maurene Comey
Photo: KPBS Public Media
A federal judge ruled that the Justice Department unlawfully fired former prosecutor Maurene Comey, ordering that she receive back pay and the option to return to her former position. The court found that the DOJ violated her right to due process by inventing an expansive theory of executive power. The ruling is not final, and the Justice Department announced plans to appeal.
Read the full story at KPBS Public MediaWhy It Matters
The decision addresses the standards for dismissing federal civil servants and sets up a legal challenge to executive branch personnel decisions involving the Justice Department.
Key Facts
- A New York federal judge ruled that the Justice Department unlawfully fired former prosecutor Maurene Comey.
- The court ordered that Comey receive back pay dating to her firing in July 2025 and be reinstated as a prosecutor in the Southern District of New York if she chooses.
- Judge Jesse Furman found that the DOJ violated Comey's constitutional right to due process.
- The Justice Department stated it disagreed with the decision and intends to appeal.
- Judge Furman has not yet ruled on Maurene Comey's First Amendment argument regarding politically protected speech and plans to hear further briefings.
- Maurene Comey previously served as a federal prosecutor in Manhattan for approximately a decade, handling cases against defendants including Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Jeffrey Epstein, and Ghislaine Maxwell.
- The lawsuit alleged Comey was fired because her father is former FBI Director James Comey.
Who's Mentioned
PersonBarack Obama“Former President who nominated Judge Furman”PersonSean "Diddy" Combs“Defendant in high-profile cases prosecuted by Maurene Comey”PersonJeffrey Epstein“Defendant in high-profile cases prosecuted by Maurene Comey”PersonCarrie Johnson“NPR assistant on the article”PersonJesse Furman“U.S. District Judge who issued the ruling”PersonMaurene Comey“Former federal prosecutor who sued the DOJ after being fired”PersonJames Comey“Former FBI Director and father of Maurene Comey”PersonPresident Trump“President of the United States”PersonGhislaine Maxwell“Defendant in high-profile cases prosecuted by Maurene Comey”