Judge rules Trump's top LA prosecutor serving unlawfully, pauses 2-case ban

A federal judge has ruled that Bill Essayli, who has been serving as Los Angeles’ top federal prosecutor, has been doing so unlawfully. The ruling, which represents a setback for the Justice Department's efforts to maintain Essayli's authority, does not immediately remove him from his position. Senior U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright temporarily delayed the practical impact of his ruling, giving federal prosecutors five business days to request a stay while they pursue an appeal.

The dispute centers on Essayli's role as the "de facto" United States attorney for the Central District of California, despite his official title as first assistant U.S. attorney. Judge Seabright found that the Justice Department gave Essayli powers that effectively placed him in the top supervisory role without holding it lawfully.

The ruling does not mean Essayli has been removed from office, but it does disqualify him from participating in or supervising two criminal prosecutions, including those involving Jaime Hector Ramirez and Tu Anh Tran.

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