The federal prosecutor overseeing the Justice Department’s case against former FBI Director James Comey has resigned from the position. This development was disclosed in a recent court filing in the Eastern District of North Carolina. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo has been appointed to replace Matthew Petracca as the government’s counsel.
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Ellis Boyle, requested Petracca’s removal from the docket, but no explanation for the change was provided. Petracca had been hired months ago to manage this case.
Comey faces two federal charges and could serve up to 10 years in prison for his Instagram post featuring seashells arranged to spell “86 47.” Prosecutors claim the post conveyed an intent to harm President Donald Trump, referred to as the 47th president.
“Threatening the life of the President of the United States is a grave violation of our nation’s laws,” stated acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
The grand jury’s indictment accuses Comey of threatening the president and transmitting a threat across state lines. The expression “86” is a common term in the restaurant industry for discontinuing an item and is recognized by law enforcement as a slang term for assassination.
Comey denies any intent to threaten. He asserts the image was a political statement. “James Comey disgracefully encouraged a threat on President Trump’s life and posted it on Instagram,” emphasizes FBI Director Kash Patel.
The case is being tried in North Carolina, where the shells were photographed. A trial is set for October following a delay requested by Comey. Judge Louise Wood Flanagan has allowed for this postponement.
Petracca’s departure was first reported by NBC News, which noted his recent withdrawal from other criminal cases. He contemplated leaving the Justice Department but decided against it after a brief break.
“If Comey is charged for the shell picture, it would face a monumental challenge under the First Amendment,” commented constitutional law expert Jonathan Turley.
Comey regards the prosecution as politically driven and vows to continue addressing what he perceives as threats to the rule of law.