Bill Essayli, the top federal prosecutor in Southern California, has been disqualified by a federal judge from overseeing two criminal cases due to his unlawful status as a 'de facto' U.S. attorney. U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright's ruling allows the Justice Department time to appeal. Essayli expressed disagreement with the ruling and stated that the issue will likely be resolved by the Supreme Court. This decision follows a similar ruling from the Ninth Circuit regarding a federal prosecutor in Nevada.
Key facts
- Bill Essayli has been disqualified from overseeing two criminal cases.
- U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright issued the ruling.
- Essayli served as interim U.S. attorney for 120 days without formal nomination.
- The Justice Department is appealing the ruling.
- Essayli is involved in a case regarding over 20,000 registered voters in California.
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