Key Points Summary: Letitia James mortgage scandal
- New York Attorney General Letitia James faces federal allegations of mortgage fraud.
- She allegedly falsified documents to get favorable loan terms on two properties.
- James refused to answer questions, pretending to be on the phone when approached.
- The scandal includes misrepresenting a Virginia home as her primary residence.
- Possible charges include wire fraud, bank fraud, and false statements.
Letitia James Mortgage Scandal Blows Up as AG Ducks Questions
New York Attorney General Letitia James, known for saying โno one is above the law,โ may now be testing that claim herself.
On Wednesday morning, James ignored reporters outside her Brooklyn home as she faced growing questions over a federal referral accusing her of mortgage fraud.
Caught in a Web of Allegations
According to a letter obtained by The Post, James allegedly falsified mortgage documents to secure better terms on multiple properties.
She reportedly claimed a Virginia house as her โprincipal residenceโ in 2023โwhile still working full-time in New York as a state prosecutor.
The letter, sent by Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William Pulte to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy AG Todd Blanche, outlines a list of possible violations.
Brooklyn and Virginia Properties Under Scrutiny
James allegedly misrepresented a five-unit Brooklyn property she purchased in 2001, listing it as a four-family dwelling in permits and mortgage paperwork.
That misrepresentation could have qualified her for loans she otherwise wouldnโt receive.
She also allegedly received favorable loan terms for a home in Norfolk, Virginia, by claiming she lived there as her main residenceโsomething strongly disputed by her ongoing position in New York.
More Questions About Family Deals
In addition, records show James and her father, Robert James, bought homes in 1983 and 2000. For both purchases, they listed themselves as โhusband and wife.โ
Pulte flagged this as another red flag and suggested it was a deliberate attempt to manipulate loan conditions.
James Flees Questions, Scandal Grows
On Wednesday, reporters waited outside Jamesโs Brooklyn home. When she emerged, she pretended to be on the phone and refused to speak about the allegations.
Despite repeated questions, she walked away in silence, leaving many wondering if the stateโs top legal enforcer will now face charges of her own.
Potential Criminal Charges Ahead
The letter claims that Jamesโs actions could warrant serious charges. These may include wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, and making false statements to a financial institution.
Each charge carries potential federal penalties, including prison time.
Public Reaction Explodes
Conservatives quickly seized on the scandal, celebrating the irony of James being referred for criminal prosecution.
Social media lit up with clips of her dodging questions, with many calling it โkarmaโ for her relentless pursuit of former President Donald Trump.
Trump Allies Fire Back
Supporters of Trump, whom James famously prosecuted in civil court, were quick to point out the hypocrisy.
โThis is the same Letitia James who went after Trump claiming no one is above the law,โ one user wrote. โNow sheโs hiding behind a fake phone call.โ
Political Future in Jeopardy
The scandal could derail Jamesโs political ambitions. Sheโs long been seen as a rising star in Democratic politics, with possible gubernatorial aspirations.
Now, with her credibility under fire, those plans may fall apart.
No Comment From James So Far
James has not released a public statement on the allegations. Her office also declined to comment on the federal referral.
For now, the spotlight is on herโand the questions arenโt going away.
