Court Rules Appointment of Prosecutor John Sarcone in Albany as Unlawful

A ruling by the U.S. Federal Court of Appeals has determined that John Sarcone was appointed in violation of the law as head of the Federal Prosecutor’s Office in Albany. As a result, he is barred from continuing investigations related to New York Attorney General Letitia James.

The Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit concluded that the Department of Justice had improperly implemented delegation procedures, with the aim of keeping Sarcone in office after his temporary term had expired.

According to the majority of judges, this course of action sought to circumvent the provisions of the federal law on filling vacancies, as well as the Senate confirmation process.

Meanwhile, the Sarcone case is not solely related to the validity of his appointment. A judicial committee in New York, which reviews complaints against lawyers, has determined that he committed professional misconduct while in office.

The disciplinary proceedings began following a complaint alleging that Sarcone had made false statements about an alleged assault incident against him and about his home address. The committee has not released further information on the measures taken, due to confidentiality rules.