A federal judge has declared that Los Angeles’s top federal prosecutor, Bill Essayli, was unlawfully serving in his role. On Tuesday, District Judge J. Michael Seabright ruled that Essayli, a Trump appointee, had exceeded the 120-day limit for acting U.S. attorneys under federal law.
The judge found that an extension granted by Attorney General Pam Bondi to allow Essayli to remain in his position beyond July 31 was illegal, rendering him disqualified from continuing as Acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California. Seabright stated, “Essayli unlawfully assumed the role of Acting United States Attorney… He is disqualified from serving in that role.”
Essayli, appointed by Trump in April to temporarily lead the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, was initially set to step down by July 31. Bondi extended his tenure, but the judge’s decision invalidates this action. This marks the third time a Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney has been disqualified for exceeding the 120-day limit. Earlier rulings removed acting attorneys in Nevada and New Jersey for similar violations.
The ruling does not affect any of Essayli’s ongoing cases, as indictments were also signed by other attorneys. It also allows him to retain his position as First Assistant U.S. Attorney. In response, Essayli stated he intends to remain in his role despite the court’s decision.