Former FBI Director James Comey faces third federal charge

Charges filed via criminal information

Federal prosecutors filed the document known as a criminal information to address an expiring statute of limitations. This legal maneuver allows charges without grand jury approval, though prosecutors must eventually seek that approval. The filing alleges Comey transmitted classified data in 2016 and conspired with someone to share it.

Lawyers seek immediate dismissal

Comey's attorney Patrick Fitzgerald stated the charges relate to a 2016 New York Times article. His legal team argues the case is invalid because the ten-year time limit has passed. Comey denied wrongdoing in a video statement and called the prosecution an abuse of power.

Previous cases remain active

This new action follows two earlier charges involving false statements and threats against President Trump. A judge dismissed the false statements count while the threats case is still pending in court. The current filing adds to the legal battles facing the former director.