Former FBI Director James Comey has pleaded not guilty to charges of making false statements to lawmakers and obstructing a congressional proceeding. His lawyer entered the plea on Wednesday morning in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia.
Comey’s attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald, said he would seek to have the case dismissed, calling it a politically motivated prosecution targeting a known critic of President Donald Trump.
The judge set a trial date for January 5 after Comey’s defense requested an expedited process. Both sides expect the trial to last two to three days.
Prosecutors accuse Comey of lying to Congress during a 2020 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing about FBI investigations into Hillary Clinton’s private email server and Russian interference in the 2016 election. He allegedly denied authorizing subordinates to leak information to the media, which prosecutors now claim was false.
The indictment also charges Comey with attempting to obstruct the congressional inquiry by making misleading statements. Each count carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $200,000.
The case was brought by newly appointed U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, who took over after her predecessor resigned under pressure from Trump. Her decision to indict Comey came within a week of assuming office, prompting defense complaints about lack of access to key classified documents.
Judge Michael Nachmanoff warned prosecutors to promptly share all evidence with the defense, saying the court would not delay the case due to government inaction.
Comey appeared composed in court, accompanied by his wife and daughter. Speaking in a video after the indictment, he maintained his innocence and accused Trump of abusing power.
“My family and I have known there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump,” Comey said. “We will not live on our knees. I am innocent. So let’s have a trial.”
