Judge orders Maurene Comey reinstated to federal prosecutor role

Maurene Comey will return to her position as a federal prosecutor in New York, according to a ruling issued by Judge Jesse Furman on Monday. The decision reverses her July 2025 termination and mandates that the United States government pay her wages for the period she was out of work. Furman determined that the dismissal violated constitutional protections and the due process rights afforded to federal employees.

The legal dispute began after Comey lost her job in mid-2025. Her lawyers filed a complaint in September 2025, arguing that she was removed from her post because of her father, former FBI Director James Comey, and her perceived political beliefs. The Justice Department maintained in court filings that former Attorney General Pam Bondi made the hiring and firing decision. Comey had previously stated that the only explanation provided for her dismissal was that the order came from Washington.

Furman emphasized that while the Attorney General holds the power to remove federal prosecutors, that authority is limited to specific circumstances and procedures. The judge noted that Comey handled high-profile matters, including cases involving Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Sean "Diddy" Combs. Supervisors and colleagues consistently rated her performance highly during her tenure.

The order requires the Department of Justice to issue back pay covering the months from July 2025 until December 2025. Comey accepted a new position in December 2025, which sets the upper limit for the financial reimbursement mandated by the court. The ruling stands as a direct challenge to the administration's handling of the prosecutor's removal.

A spokesperson for the Justice Department disagreed with the outcome and stated the agency would appeal the decision in due course. The department has a history of contesting personnel decisions in court. Meanwhile, the federal government continues to pursue legal actions against James Comey, including a recent charge alleging he made threats against President Donald Trump via an Instagram post.

Comey's legal team issued a statement following the ruling, describing the outcome as a victory for civil servants and the rule of law. The case highlights the ongoing friction between the executive branch and federal employees who have previously served under different administrations. The reinstatement order takes effect immediately upon the government's acceptance of the judgment or its expiration of the appeal window.