Federal judge dismisses indictments against James Comey and Letitia James

(CNN, KYMA) - A federal judge dismissed the indictments brought by the Trump Administration against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James Friday.

The judge found that the appointment of interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi was invalid, and therefore the indictments do not stand.

Defense attorneys for Comey and James argued the 120-day period an interim U.S. Attorney can serve ahead of Senate confirmation or district judge approval had expired when Halligan got the role.

President Donald Trump had handpicked Halligan for the role in Alexandria, Virginia. Within days, she subsequently brought the criminal cases against Comey and James, whom President Trump said had targeted him politically.

The cases were tossed "without prejudice." That means it leaves open the possibility charges could be brought again against Comey and James.

Reacting to the judge's ruling, James said she was "heartened by today's victory."