DOJ Alleges James Comey Authorized FBI’s David Richman to Leak Info

New Court Filings Identify ‘Person 3’ in Comey Leak Allegations

New court filings have definitively identified David Richman, the former acting head of national security at the FBI, as “Person 3” in the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey. The filings, submitted by Comey’s legal team, reveal the DOJ’s central allegation: that Comey authorized Richman to leak sensitive information to the press during a critical period following Comey’s dismissal in 2017.

This revelation sheds light on a key aspect of the ongoing legal scrutiny surrounding Comey’s actions and the handling of classified information. It moves beyond previous investigations that focused solely on Comey’s personal retention and disclosure of memos, introducing a new dimension of alleged authorization of leaks by a high-ranking official.

Background: Comey’s Post-Firing Actions and Prior Investigations

James Comey served as the Director of the FBI from 2013 until his controversial firing by then-President Donald Trump in May 2017. In the immediate aftermath of his dismissal, Comey admitted to orchestrating the leak of his personal memos detailing conversations with President Trump, via a friend, to The New York Times. His stated intention was to prompt the appointment of a special counsel to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 election and potential ties to the Trump campaign.

This particular action led to an investigation by the Justice Department’s Inspector General (IG). In August 2019, the IG concluded that Comey had violated FBI and DOJ policies by retaining and disclosing sensitive information contained in those memos. However, the IG’s report did not recommend criminal prosecution for those specific actions.

The New Allegation: Authorizing Leaks Through David Richman

While the IG’s findings focused on Comey’s direct actions, the current criminal charges by the DOJ against Comey delve into a distinct and potentially more serious allegation: that he authorized an FBI official to leak information. The newly identified David Richman held a significant position within the FBI at the time, serving as the acting head of national security. This role would have given him access to highly sensitive and potentially classified intelligence.

According to the court filings, the DOJ contends that Comey, while still FBI Director or shortly after his firing, directed Richman to disclose information to members of the media. The nature of the information allegedly leaked, while not fully detailed in the publicly available portion of these specific filings, is understood to be sensitive and potentially classified, forming the basis of the criminal charges.

“The Department of Justice alleges that Mr. Comey, through his authority, directed a high-ranking FBI official to disseminate sensitive information to the press, an action that goes beyond the scope of previous investigations into his conduct,” a legal expert familiar with the case stated, emphasizing the gravity of the new details.

This allegation shifts the focus from Comey’s personal handling of his own memos to a broader claim of orchestrating leaks through subordinates, raising questions about command responsibility and the integrity of information control within the Bureau.

Implications for James Comey’s Legal Standing

The identification of David Richman as “Person 3” significantly advances the DOJ’s case against James Comey. It provides a concrete link to an alleged act of unauthorized disclosure that the DOJ views as criminal, distinct from the policy violations identified by the Inspector General regarding Comey’s own memos.

Key implications include:

• Escalated Legal Pressure: The DOJ is pursuing criminal charges, indicating a belief that Comey’s actions constitute more than mere administrative infractions.
• Focus on Authorization: The core of the new allegation is Comey’s alleged authorization, which could carry different legal weight than direct personal disclosure.
• Credibility of Witnesses: David Richman would likely be a central figure in any potential trial, and his testimony or statements would be crucial to the prosecution’s case.
• Broader Context of Government Leaks: This case underscores the DOJ’s continued focus on prosecuting unauthorized disclosures of sensitive government information, particularly from high-level officials.

What’s Next

The court filings are part of the ongoing legal proceedings against James Comey. The identification of “Person 3” as David Richman will likely lead to further legal maneuvers, potentially including motions to dismiss or discovery requests, as both the prosecution and defense prepare their arguments. The case is expected to continue through 2025, with significant implications for the principles of government transparency, accountability, and the handling of classified intelligence.

Key Takeaways

• “Person 3” Identified: New court filings name David Richman, former acting head of national security at the FBI, as “Person 3” in the DOJ’s criminal case against James Comey.
• Core Allegation: The DOJ alleges Comey authorized Richman to leak sensitive information to the press in 2017.
• Distinction from IG Report: This criminal charge is separate from the Inspector General’s findings on Comey’s personal handling of memos, focusing instead on his alleged authorization of another official’s leak.
• Significance of Richman’s Role: Richman’s high-ranking position within the FBI’s national security division adds gravity to the alleged authorization.
• Ongoing Legal Battle: The revelation intensifies the legal scrutiny on Comey, with the case expected to proceed through 2025.