New York Attorney General Letitia James on Friday pleaded not guilty to charges of alleged mortgage fraud, after she was indicted earlier in October by the U.S. Department of Justice under President Donald Trump's urging, according to ABC News.
James, who appeared in a federal courtroom in Norfolk, Va., pleaded not guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of making false statements to a financial institution.
"Not guilty, judge, to both counts," James said, entering the plea herself, according to ABC News.
After the arraignment, James said her indictment was "a vehicle of retribution" for securing a guilty plea for financial fraud from the Trump Organization in 2024.
“But this is not about me. This is about all of us, and about a justice system which has been weaponized. A justice system which has been used as a tool of revenge," James said in a statement. "This justice system which has been used as a tool of revenge – and a weapon against those individuals who simply did their job and stood up for the rule of law."
The indictment pertains to James’ purchase of a house in Norfolk, where she has family. During the sale, she signed a standard document called a “second home rider” in which she agreed to keep the property primarily for her “personal use and enjoyment for at least one year,” unless the lender agreed otherwise.
James said she believes in the justice system and the rule of the law.
"And I have a belief in America and all of its individuals who have stood with me – not only in New York but all across this nation," she added.
James said she has heard from "just about every jurisdiction" in the country that have urged her to "stand up and be tall."
"Because I believe that justice will rain down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream," said James. “And I am here to say that my work and my job and all that I do – all throughout my public career – I have stood up for the rights of New Yorkers and Americans. And I will not be deterred."
