"ALBANY - New York Attorney General Letitia James could soak taxpayers for millions of dollars in legal bills as she fights her new federal indictment - but she says she won't be tapping into the $10 million state legal defense slush fund set up for that purpose. Instead, she's turning to the national Democratic Attorneys General Association to cover her legal defense bills against the bombshell mortgage fraud charges filed against her Thursday - which could run in the millions, according to experts."
"A spokesperson for James' office told The Post Friday that she would not be tapping into the state fund to pay for her defense, after initially saying she would use it. The state comptroller's office confirmed that none of the $10 million in the stash has been drawn. The provision to set up the fund - first revealed by The Post - was quietly tucked into the state budget by Albany lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul earlier this year."
New York Attorney General Letitia James is facing a federal mortgage fraud indictment and is turning to the national Democratic Attorneys General Association to cover her legal defense costs. Experts estimate total legal bills could range from $5 million to $10 million. James has hired high-profile defense attorney Abbe Lowell, who could bill over $1,000 per hour and require a million-dollar retainer. Some attorneys may offer pro bono representation due to the case's profile and political alignment. A $10 million state legal defense fund exists but has not been tapped. James has denied the charges and says President Trump is targeting her.
#letitia-james #federal-indictment #legal-defense-funding #democratic-attorneys-general-association #state-budget-slush-fund
Read at New York Post
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