New York Attorney General Letitia James is under intense ethical scrutiny after a bar complaint was filed accusing her of committing mortgage fraud and violating professional conduct rules. The complaint, filed by America First Legal (AFL), has raised significant concerns about James’ actions, particularly in relation to misrepresentation and falsification of documents to secure government-backed loans and more favorable loan terms. These serious allegations have prompted calls for a full investigation into her conduct, potentially undermining her credibility as the state’s chief legal officer.
The Bar Complaint: Mortgage Fraud Allegations and Professional Misconduct
The bar complaint stems from a criminal referral made by the U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to the Department of Justice on April 14, 2025. According to AFL, the allegations center on James’ involvement in falsifying bank documents and misrepresenting property records in order to secure government-backed loans, including loans from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The core of the accusations is that James misrepresented key facts about her principal residence and the number of housing units in properties she owned, actions which allegedly led to more favorable loan terms.
The New York Rules of Professional Conduct prohibit lawyers from engaging in illegal conduct or acts involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation. AFL argues that, if true, James’ actions would violate these professional conduct rules and severely undermine public trust in both her leadership and the broader legal profession.
