Federal judge rules Bill Essayli unlawfully serving as de facto US attorney in California

A federal judge has disqualified Bill Essayli, the top federal prosecutor in Southern California, from two criminal cases, ruling he is unlawfully serving as a “de facto” U.S. attorney. The disqualification is pending appeal, and Essayli stated he believes the Supreme Court will ultimately decide the matter. This ruling comes after a previous Ninth Circuit decision concerning a similar arrangement for a federal prosecutor in Nevada.

• Federal judge disqualified Bill Essayli from overseeing two criminal cases.
• The judge ruled Essayli is unlawfully serving as a “de facto” U.S. attorney.
• The disqualification is not immediate, allowing time for appeal.
• Essayli believes the Supreme Court will ultimately decide his role.
• Essayli’s appointment followed an interim role and a designation as special attorney and first assistant U.S. attorney, bypassing presidential nomination and Senate confirmation.
• A Ninth Circuit ruling on a similar case prompted the judge to revisit Essayli’s situation.
• Essayli is involved in a high-profile Justice Department effort challenging California over alleged noncitizen registered voters.