A U.S. appeals court ruled that John Sarcone was appointed without proper authority.
The court blocked him from probing 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 published on August 21 2026.
The decision halts the administration from pursuing its case against a political rival. It causes uncertainty about Senate approval for the Albany prosecutor. Senate confirmation had been delayed for the Albany position. The decision was noted by several news organisations.