New York Attorney General Letitia James, appearing in a federal courtroom in Norfolk, Virginia, pleaded not guilty Friday to charges of alleged mortgage fraud, after she was indicted earlier this month by President Donald Trump's handpicked U.S. attorney.
James pleaded not guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of making false statements to a financial institution.
"Not guilty, judge, to both counts," said James, entering the plea herself.
Evidence appears to undercut claims against Letitia James, prosecutors found: Sources
U.S. District Judge Jamar Walker set an initial trial date for Jan. 26, to which both the government and the defense agreed.
The trial is expected to take "no more" than two weeks, said government attorneys, who estimated they will call between 8 to 10 witnesses.
James was released on personal recognizance following the conclusion of the hearing.
Interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan -- who Trump appointed just days after calling on the his attorney general to act "NOW!!!" to prosecute James and other political enemies -- secured the indictment against James on Oct. 9. The New York attorney general successfully brought a civil fraud case against Trump last year and currently leads multiple lawsuits challenging his administration's policies.
