A U.S. appeals court decided that John Sarcone was appointed illegally.
The court barred him from investigating New York Attorney General Letitia James. It also upheld a block on legal demands from the U.S. Justice Department to her office. The ruling was issued on August 21 2026.
The decision prevents the administration from continuing its case against a political opponent. It creates uncertainty regarding Senate approval for the Albany prosecutor. Senate confirmation had been awaited for the Albany position. The decision was reported by several news outlets.