Bill Essayli vowed to remain Los Angeles' top prosecutor despite an unlawful appointment ruling
Essayli said his office expected Seabright’s ruling, which disqualified him from participating in or supervising cases after finding he was unlawfully serving as a de facto U.S. attorney. The order will not take effect until the court rules on the government’s stay request. Essayli pushed back and vowed to remain.
More context
Bill Essayli, the Central District of California’s first assistant U.S. attorney, said he intends to stay on as Los Angeles’ top prosecutor despite a ruling that he was unlawfully serving. He disputed the ruling, asserting the president and attorney general can choose Justice Department supervisors. Essayli said the Supreme Court will ultimately settle the issue and that he intends to remain until then. District Judge J. Michael Seabright ruled that the Justice Department unlawfully delegated powers that allowed Essayli to continue in the role beyond the 120-day limit for acting U.S. attorneys. Seabright ordered Essayli disqualified from overseeing two criminal cases, but delayed the order from taking effect while he considers the government’s request for a stay pending appeal. Essayli told the Los Angeles Times that his office had anticipated the ruling.
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Reporting
- The Hill — Federal judge says Bill Essayli is unlawfully serving as California prosecutor
- Los Angeles Times — Judge finds L.A.’s top federal prosecutor is unlawfully serving, bars him from two cases - Los Angeles Times
- ABC News — Federal judge rules top US prosecutor in Los Angeles isn't legally serving - ABC News
- New York Post — Federal judge says acting LA US Attorney is on the job unlawfully — but prosecutor vows he’s not going anywhere
- couriernews.com (with Associated Press) — Federal judge rules top US prosecutor in Los Angeles isn't legally serving | National | couriernews.com
Verifier’s note
The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, the Associated Press report carried by couriernews.com and ABC News, and the New York Post report that Judge J. Michael Seabright ruled Bill Essayli is unlawfully serving as Los Angeles’s top federal prosecutor. The reports describe the ruling as having occurred Tuesday, consistent with the proposed event’s timing.