Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

LetMyPeopleVote

(182,770 posts)
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 08:36 AM 6 hrs ago

Lead prosecutor on former FBI Director Comey's 'seashells' case withdraws without explanation

This attorney does not want to be disbarred

https://abcnews.com/Politics/lead-prosecutor-former-fbi-director-comeys-seashells-case/story

The lead prosecutor tasked with overseeing former FBI Director James Comey's prosecution stemming from his post of seashells that the Justice Department claims amounted to a threat against President Donald Trump has withdrawn from the case, according to a court filing.

Matthew Petracca was the lone prosecutor from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina assigned to the case when it was unsealed late last month.

On Friday evening, however, the Justice Department filed a notice with the court indicating that Petracca has been replaced by assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo.

The department did not include any explanation for the move in the high-profile case.

Comey's attorneys are expected to make a vigorous push to have the case dismissed before it can go to trial through a variety of legal challenges.
3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Lead prosecutor on former FBI Director Comey's 'seashells' case withdraws without explanation (Original Post) LetMyPeopleVote 6 hrs ago OP
trump's DOJ is having a hard time finding prosecutors who are willing to risk their bar licenses LetMyPeopleVote 5 hrs ago #1
I don't see how this protects Petracca's license to practice law Jersey Devil 5 hrs ago #2
I hope Comey and/or someone else sues the prosecutor(s) and/or tRUMP lackeys who authorized this obviously SWBTATTReg 2 hrs ago #3

Jersey Devil

(10,862 posts)
2. I don't see how this protects Petracca's license to practice law
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 10:04 AM
5 hrs ago

He's the prosecutor who sought the indictment before the grand jury. So if he is disciplined for a vindictive prosecution, how does bowing out as the trial prosecutor absolve him? If his conscience really was bothering him he should have moved to dismiss the indictment. He gave birth to this baby so he should be forced to live with it.

SWBTATTReg

(26,465 posts)
3. I hope Comey and/or someone else sues the prosecutor(s) and/or tRUMP lackeys who authorized this obviously
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 12:55 PM
2 hrs ago

fake lawsuit to deliberately hurt Comey.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Lead prosecutor on former...