A U.S. appeals court found that John Sarcone was appointed unlawfully.
The court barred him from investigating New York Attorney General Letitia James. It also supported a block on formal requests from the U.S. Justice Department to her office. The ruling was issued on August 21 2026.
The decision stops the administration from continuing its case against a political opponent. It raises uncertainty surrounding Senate confirmation for the Albany prosecutor. Senate confirmation had been awaited for the Albany position. The decision was reported by several news organisations.