NewsABC7 News San Francisco (KGO-TV)October 27, 2026San Francisco County
Judge Jesse Furman reinstates former prosecutor Maurene Comey with back pay after ruling her firing unlawful
Photo: ABC7 News San Francisco (KGO-TV)
A federal judge ruled that the termination of former Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey violated civil service rules, the separation of powers, and due process rights. The court ordered her reinstated with back pay for the period from her July 2025 termination until December, when she took a job in the private sector. The Justice Department disagreed with the decision and announced plans to appeal.
Read the full story at ABC7 News San Francisco (KGO-TV)Why It Matters
The ruling limits executive removal powers over line prosecutors and affirms civil service protections, affecting the operational independence of the Justice Department and career federal employees involved in high-profile criminal cases.
Key Facts
- U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman ruled that Maurene Comey's termination from the Manhattan U.S. attorney's office violated civil service rules.
- The court ordered Comey reinstated with back pay covering the period from her July 2025 termination until December, when she accepted a private sector job.
- Judge Furman rejected the administration's argument that statutory protections for civil servants are an unconstitutional intrusion into presidential authority.
- The judge concluded that the Trump administration and the Justice Department violated the separation of powers, the Administrative Procedure Act, and due process rights.
- The Justice Department stated its disagreement with the decision and announced plans to appeal.
- Maurene Comey previously led the prosecution of Sean 'Diddy' Combs and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Who's Mentioned
PersonGhislaine Maxwell“Associate of Jeffrey Epstein prosecuted by Comey”PersonDonald Trump“President whose administration's firing of Comey was challenged”PersonJames Comey“Former FBI Director and father of Maurene Comey”PersonMaurene Comey“Former assistant U.S. attorney whose firing was ruled unlawful”PersonJeffrey Epstein“Subject of federal sex trafficking case handled by the office”PersonJesse Furman“Federal judge who issued the ruling”PersonSean 'Diddy' Combs“Defendant prosecuted by Maurene Comey”