Federal Prosecutors Open New Probe Into NY AG Letitia James Involving Campaign Payments Made To A Brooklyn Hairstylist

James and her legal team have characterized the federal actions as politically motivated. Her attorney, Abbe Lowell, sharply criticized the latest probe, describing it as another failed attempt by the Trump administration to target a political adversary.

“His obedient Justice Department appears to be using its vast resources to try to shake down people based on their association with Ms. James,” Lowell said, adding that prior efforts were “doomed to fail.”

The optics of the investigation are further complicated by Marsh’s public association with James. Marsh, who operates Studio Phenomenon-Luxury Salon in Prospect Heights, was honored in 2022 at a “Power Women of the Bronx” event where James also spoke and received recognition.

At present, there is no allegation that James was involved in or had knowledge of Marsh’s alleged criminal conduct. The renewed federal inquiry appears narrowly focused on campaign-finance-related questions and whether the payments were properly characterized and justified.