A U.S. appeals court found that John Sarcone was appointed unlawfully.
The court barred him from looking into New York Attorney General Letitia James. It also maintained a block on subpoenas from the U.S. Justice Department to her office. The ruling was released on August 21 2026.
The decision prevents the administration from pursuing its case against a political opponent. It creates uncertainty surrounding Senate approval for the Albany prosecutor. Senate confirmation had been awaited for the Albany position. The decision was covered by multiple news outlets.