Federal Judge Rules Justice Department Violated Constitutional Rights, Orders Return of Computer FilesA federal judge has ruled that the Justice Department violated the constitutional rights of Daniel Richman, a friend of former FBI Director James Comey. The judge ordered the government to return computer files that prosecutors had hoped to use in a potential criminal case against Comey. This decision is a significant setback for the Justice Departments efforts to pursue new charges against Comey.The case involves computer files and communications obtained years ago from Richman, a Columbia University law professor. These files were initially gathered during a media leak investigation and were held onto by the Justice Department without a new warrant. Richman argued that these actions violated his Fourth Amendment rights, leading the judge to temporarily bar prosecutors from accessing the files.Earlier this week, the judge sided with Richman again, issuing a forty-six-page order directing the Justice Department to return his files. The judge did, however, allow the Justice Department to file an electronic copy of Richmans records under seal, suggesting prosecutors could try to access them later with a lawful search warrant.This situation highlights the ongoing legal battles surrounding James Comey, who was previously charged in September with lying to Congress. That indictment was dismissed due to an unlawfully appointed prosecutor, but the possibility of new charges has remained open until this recent ruling.

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