Justice Department files third federal charge against James Comey

The United States Justice Department has initiated a third federal prosecution against former FBI Director James Comey. The new action accuses him of sharing sensitive national security information with a New York Times reporter in October 2016.

The legal move was triggered by the approaching 10-year statute of limitations for the specific offense. To prevent the clock from expiring earlier in October, the department filed a criminal information in Washington federal court on October 5. This document formally charges Comey with transmitting and conspiring to transmit national defense information. The filing remained sealed until Monday, when it became public following a request from Comey's legal team.

This third case joins two other legal battles already facing Comey. The department previously charged him with lying to Congress about media leaks and threatening President Donald Trump in a social media post. A judge has since dismissed the false statements case. The case involving the alleged threats remains active and pending in court.

Comey responded to the news in an Instagram video, stating, "They're back again." He added, "I'm still innocent." His attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald, issued a statement arguing the new filing is legally improper. Fitzgerald said the document "purports to charge Mr. Comey with crimes that he did not commit." Defense lawyers have already asked a judge to dismiss the matter based on these grounds.

A Justice Department spokesperson described the filing as a "widely recognized practice in federal court" used to halt the statute of limitations. The spokesperson noted that the matter is an ongoing criminal investigation and said the department would not comment further on the details.

The criminal information remains part of an active federal case. The next scheduled step involves the court's review of the defense's motion to dismiss the newly unsealed charges.