In June, Ms. Thompson provided testimony to a grand jury in Norfolk, asserting that she had lived in a particular house for several years without paying rent, according to a person familiar with the situation. Notably, she was never called to testify again, and the grand jury that ultimately voted to indict Ms. James convened not in Norfolk but in Alexandria.
The focus of the case has increasingly been eclipsed by the actions of former President Donald Trump, who is actively pushing for consequences against Ms. James. Over the years, he has criticized her on social media, labeling her as a “crook” and “corrupt.” In a related maneuver last month, Trump appointed Ms. Halligan, who previously served as one of his personal attorneys, to take over the role of U.S. Attorney in Eastern Virginia from Erik S. Siebert. Siebert had previously expressed skepticism about the case, a sentiment shared by several career prosecutors in the office.
This series of events has drawn sharp criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans, particularly given the minimal amount at stake in the case, which totals just $18,933. However, supporters of Trump hailed the indictment as robust, asserting that it represents righteous retribution against a state attorney general who had previously sued Trump for alleged “staggering fraud” in 2022.
Abbe D. Lowell, representing Ms. James, has categorically denied the allegations. Halligan has described the indictment as indicative of “tremendous breaches of the public’s trust.”
The ongoing situation involving Ms. Thompson and Ms. James, including Thompson’s testimony, highlights the central factual dispute that will play a crucial role in the case. Legal and real estate experts have noted that the definitive strength of Halligan’s case will be difficult to evaluate until further details emerge in court.
As developments continue to unfold, there is a sense that this case not only involves legal intricacies but also reflects broader political tensions and the ramifications of personal vendettas in the public sphere.