A U.S. appeals court ruled that John Sarcone was appointed without proper authority.
The court blocked 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 released on August 21 2026.
The decision prevents the administration from pursuing its case against a political rival. It causes uncertainty regarding Senate confirmation for the Albany prosecutor. Senate confirmation had been delayed for the Albany position. The decision was covered by multiple news sources.