Trending Now - Prosecutor Exits Comey's Seashells Case Without Explanation

WHO:

ABC News - Matthew Petracca was the lead prosecutor from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina assigned to the case against James Comey.

NBC News - James Comey, former FBI Director, is the subject of the prosecution.

WHAT:

ABC News - Matthew Petracca has withdrawn from the prosecution case against James Comey.

ABC News - The Justice Department filed a notice indicating that Timothy Severo has replaced Petracca as the lead prosecutor.

ABC News - Comey's attorneys are expected to challenge the case vigorously to have it dismissed before trial.

WHERE:

ABC News - The case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

WHEN:

ABC News - The case against Comey was unsealed late last month.

WHY:

ABC News - The Justice Department claims that Comey's post of seashells amounted to a threat against President Trump.

HOW:

ABC News - The withdrawal of the lead prosecutor was communicated through a court filing by the Justice Department.

(UPDATED May 30, 2026 01:36 UTC)

Matthew Petracca, the lead prosecutor from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, has withdrawn from the case against James Comey, who is facing allegations related to a post of seashells that the Justice Department claims constituted a threat against President Trump. Timothy Severo has been appointed as the new lead prosecutor, and Comey's attorneys are expected to mount a vigorous challenge to have the case dismissed before it goes to trial. The case was unsealed late last month and is being closely monitored as it unfolds in the Eastern District of North Carolina.