Federal judge rules Bill Essayli unlawfully serving as de facto US attorney in California
Bill Essayli says the Supreme Court will ultimately decide his fate after a federal judge ruled he is unlawfully serving as a de facto U.S. attorney.
TL;DR
- Federal judge disqualified Bill Essayli from overseeing two criminal cases.
- The judge ruled Essayli is unlawfully serving as a "de facto" U.S. attorney.
- The disqualification is not immediate, allowing time for appeal.
- Essayli believes the Supreme Court will ultimately decide his role.
- Essayli's appointment followed an interim role and a designation as special attorney and first assistant U.S. attorney, bypassing presidential nomination and Senate confirmation.
- A Ninth Circuit ruling on a similar case prompted the judge to revisit Essayli's situation.
- Essayli is involved in a high-profile Justice Department effort challenging California over alleged noncitizen registered voters.