New York state Attorney General Letitia James is challenging the authority of John Sarcone III, the acting U.S. attorney overseeing the Northern District of New York.

Sarcone is one of several acting U.S. attorneys around the country who were appointed through an unusual procedural move by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. Bondi appointed Sarcone to serve in the position after Carla Freedman, who was nominated by former President Joe Biden, stepped down in February. Sarcone was sworn in on an interim basis on March 17. Interim appointments expire after 120 days. 

Those appointments have been found to be unlawful by several other courts.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office opposes this request, arguing that Sarcone’s appointment is valid.

The argument is made as a part of James’ effort to quash two grand jury subpoenas against her office related to civil cases brought against President Donald Trump and the National Rifle Association. 

A panel of judges declined over the summer to appoint Sarcone.

Based in Albany, the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York supervises nearly 50 assistant U.S. attorneys and more than 50 other employees.