- Federal mail and wire fraud statutes (18 U.S.C. §§ 1341 and 1343)
- Virginia fraud and false pretenses laws (VA Code § 18.2-178)
- Ethics violations and campaign finance fraud
- Filing false sworn declarations
What Is Moral Turpitude—and Why It Matters
At the heart of these allegations lies a powerful legal term: moral turpitude. Defined as conduct that is dishonest, fraudulent, or depraved in a way that shocks the public conscience, violations involving moral turpitude are career-ending for licensed professionals.
The New York State Attorney Grievance Committee, which oversees attorney conduct, considers acts of deception, concealment of assets, and falsification of official forms to be grounds for discipline if committed with intent. Moral turpitude findings can result in license suspension or disbarment—and for a sitting Attorney General, that means forced resignation.
James has long played the role of a crusader for justice. But if the facts support claims that she intentionally obscured her ownership, failed to disclose assets, or enabled a fraudulent property transaction, the fallout could be devastating.
