Judge Rules Essayli Served Unlawfully as Acting U.S. Attorney

U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright ruled that Bill Essayli unlawfully assumed and has been serving as Acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California since July 29. The judge found Attorney General Pam Bondi’s appointment maneuver violated the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and disqualified Essayli from performing the functions of the acting U.S. attorney in several prosecutions brought by three defendants. Seabright declined to dismiss the indictments because other lawfully appointed prosecutors co-signed them. The court allowed Essayli to remain in the office as the first assistant U.S. attorney (the top deputy), meaning he may continue to lead and supervise district work under that title. The decision is the third federal rebuke of a Trump-appointed interim U.S. attorney for overstaying temporary status and has raised concerns about attempts to circumvent Senate confirmation. Essayli’s office pushed back, saying "nothing is changing."