Federal judge rules top federal prosecutor in Los Angeles is serving unlawfully

Source: CBS News

October 28, 2025 / 10:06 PM EDT


A federal judge ruled Tuesday that the Justice Department's top prosecutor in Los Angeles has served unlawfully in his role for months, the latest court to push back on the Trump administration's efforts to name acting prosecutors. U.S. District Judge Michael Seabright ruled that acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, who oversees the Justice Department's outpost in the Central District of California, cannot participate in prosecuting three people who were charged with gun crimes.

The judge rejected a request by the three defendants to toss out their charges altogether. Essayli — a former California Republican state lawmaker — was named interim U.S. attorney in April, a role that's typically limited to just 120 days. But days before the clock ran out, Essayli resigned and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi immediately named him first assistant U.S. attorney because, under federal law, the holder of that job becomes the office's acting head when there's a vacancy.

Seabright ruled that this maneuver was unlawful because only the first assistant U.S. attorney who is already in place when the office becomes vacant is eligible to become acting chief.

"Simply stated: Essayli unlawfully assumed the role of Acting United States Attorney for the Central District of California. He has been unlawfully serving in that capacity since his resignation from the interim role on July 29, 2025," Seabright wrote. "Essayli may not perform the functions and duties of the United States Attorney as Acting United States Attorney. He is disqualified from serving in that role."

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/federal-judge-disqualifies-bill-essayli-trump-doj-top-federal-prosecutor-in-l-a/