Reports circulating on social media claiming that New York Attorney General Letitia James has been criminally indicted on federal charges are false, according to official records and statements reviewed by major news outlets and the U.S. Department of Justice.
The viral story, which first appeared on several anonymous websites and social media platforms on Thursday, alleged that James had been charged with bank fraud in the Eastern District of Virginia. However, no such case appears in federal court databases, and no announcement has been made by the Department of Justice or any U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“This is completely fabricated,” said a Justice Department spokesperson when asked for comment. “There is no indictment, no charges, and no court proceedings involving Attorney General James.”
The false claim quickly gained traction online, fueled by political commentary referencing James’s previous civil fraud case against former President Donald Trump. In that case, Trump was found liable for falsifying business records to secure favorable loans — a ruling that drew intense criticism from the former president, who accused James of leading a “witch hunt.”
The Anatomy of the Hoax
Screenshots of the fake indictment story mimicked the appearance of legitimate news reports, even attributing quotes to prosecutors and mentioning fabricated details about a supposed mortgage loan. Analysts from misinformation-tracking organizations say this is a familiar tactic in coordinated disinformation efforts designed to discredit public officials.
“The structure of the post—mixing real people with false charges—is a typical feature of digital misinformation campaigns,” said Dr. Emily Carter, a media ethics researcher at Columbia University. “It’s effective because it looks like real reporting, but it’s entirely invented.”
Political Reactions
While no official comment has been issued from James’s office regarding the hoax, a source close to the Attorney General dismissed the reports as “malicious and politically motivated.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also denounced the fabricated story, saying, “This is a dangerous weaponization of misinformation meant to intimidate public servants who hold the powerful accountable.”
Background
Letitia James has served as New York’s Attorney General since 2019 and is best known for her civil litigation against the Trump Organization, opioid manufacturers, and several corporate entities accused of consumer fraud. She was also the first Black woman elected to statewide office in New York.
Why It Matters
Experts warn that misinformation targeting high-profile public officials poses a threat not only to individuals but also to public trust in democratic institutions.
“When fake stories circulate unchecked, they undermine faith in the justice system and fuel polarization,” said Carter. “It’s not just about one person it’s about the credibility of our information ecosystem.”
No evidence supports the claim that Attorney General Letitia James has been indicted. The story is baseless, and credible sources have confirmed it to be a hoax.
