Former FBI Director James Comey Arrested And Assigned To Biden-Appointed Judge

Comey Arrested on Federal Charges

Former FBI Director James Comey has been arrested following a federal indictment in Virginia. Court filings show he faces charges of making false statements to Congress and obstructing an investigation tied to the Russia probe.

The arrest marks a historic moment: no FBI director in modern history has faced criminal prosecution of this scale. It also underscores the years-long clash between Comey and President Donald Trump, who fired him in 2017 and has repeatedly accused him of dishonesty.

Judge Assigned to the Case

The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff, who was appointed to the federal bench by President Joe Biden in 2021. Nachmanoff, who serves in Alexandria, Virginia, was selected by random assignment late Thursday.

His involvement will draw scrutiny given his confirmation record, which passed narrowly in the Senate with support from only three Republicans.

Background on Judge Nachmanoff

Past rulings: Oversaw the 2019 arraignment of Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, associates of Rudy Giuliani, who were released on $1 million bond.
Other cases: Approved the CIA’s dismissal of a Pentagon doctor who publicly supported mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies.
Professional history: Served over a decade as a federal public defender, including work on high-profile terrorism and piracy cases.
Supreme Court appearance: Successfully argued for sentencing discretion in crack-cocaine convictions, winning a 7–2 decision authored by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Political and Legal Impact

Comey’s arrest and indictment elevate an already politically charged battle. Trump has long accused Comey of misleading Congress and manipulating investigations, and the indictment directly addresses those allegations.

With a Biden-appointed judge presiding, the proceedings are expected to attract nationwide attention and raise questions about how federal justice is administered in politically sensitive cases.

What Happens Next

Comey will appear in federal court in Alexandria for arraignment and initial hearings.
Prosecutors will pursue charges of false statements and obstruction.
Judge Nachmanoff will oversee pre-trial motions and trial scheduling.

The trial will be closely monitored not only for its outcome but for its implications on accountability within federal law enforcement.