NORFOLK, VA – New York State Attorney General Leticia James is embroiled in a legal battle following her indictment by a federal grand jury in Virginia. Charged with bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution, James is accused of misrepresenting the use of a property she purchased in Norfolk.
Prosecutors claim that James, 66, acquired a modest three-bedroom home in August 2020 for approximately $137,000. The purchase was largely financed through a $19,600 loan, which stipulated that the property could not be used as a rental. Authorities allege James benefited from a reduced mortgage rate, accruing illicit gains of about $18,933 over the loan’s duration.
Complicating matters, reports have surfaced indicating that a resident of the Norfolk property, Nikia Thompson, is wanted by law enforcement. Thompson, James’ grand niece, is listed as having absconded from authorities in Forsyth County, North Carolina, after failing to complete her probation for misdemeanor offenses of assault, battery, and trespassing.
Keith Acree from the North Carolina Department of Corrections confirmed that Thompson, 36, has intentionally evaded probation supervision. Despite her crimes being classified as low-level and non-extraditable, her presence in the Norfolk home has added to the controversy surrounding James.
James has dismissed the charges as unfounded and politically motivated, suggesting they are retaliatory actions stemming from former President Trump’s administration. During a recent rally for New York City mayoral candidate Zoran Mandani, James urged supporters to unite in defense of their rights, declaring her resolve to fight the allegations.
Meanwhile, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has voiced her support for James, encouraging her followers to contribute financially to James’ legal defense.
If convicted, James faces severe penalties, including up to 60 years in prison and a $2 million fine.