ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — Michael Nachmanoff, a judge in the federal courthouse in northern Virginia, has earned a reputation for his meticulous preparation and calm demeanor. This week, he is set to preside over a politically charged case: the Justice Department's prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey. Nachmanoff was appointed to the bench by President Joe Biden in 2021 and was randomly assigned to the case following a Virginia grand jury's indictment of Comey on multiple charges, including obstruction of a congressional proceeding.
The indictment has caught the attention of former President Donald Trump, who has a history of animosity towards Comey. Trump referred to him as a "Dirty Cop" and labeled Nachmanoff a "Crooked Joe Biden appointed Judge," all while heralding the charges as "JUSTICE FOR AMERICA!" Despite the heightened political tension surrounding the case, colleagues and attorneys familiar with Nachmanoff assert his commitment to impartiality.
"Whatever his personal politics are, I do not think that they will enter the courtroom," stated Nina Ginsberg, a defense attorney who has previously worked under Nachmanoff. She emphasized his confidence in judging fairly, indicating that he is unlikely to be influenced by the political climate or media coverage.
At 57, Nachmanoff's legal career includes more than a decade as the chief federal public defender for the Eastern District of Virginia, where he successfully argued a significant Supreme Court case aimed at reducing racial disparities in crack cocaine sentencing. His judicial experience also encompasses six years as a magistrate judge, during which he managed various politically sensitive cases. Notably, in 2019, he oversaw the first court appearances of Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, associates of Rudy Giuliani, and released them on $1 million bonds. More recently, he ruled against blocking the CIA's decision to fire Dr. Terry Adirim, a Pentagon physician targeted over COVID-19 vaccine mandates by Trump allies.
Colleagues describe Nachmanoff as a vigorous advocate with a keen attention to detail. Timothy Belevetz, a defense lawyer and former federal prosecutor, noted that Nachmanoff is well-respected and diligent, giving all parties a fair chance and listening carefully to their arguments.
This latest charge against Comey alleges that he lied to Congress. Just days before the indictment, Trump appeared to pressure Attorney General Pam Bondi to pursue legal action against Comey and other perceived political adversaries. Comey has publicly acknowledged the political backdrop of his indictment but expressed his confidence in the judicial system, stating, "My heart is broken for the Department of Justice but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system, and I'm innocent. So let’s have a trial."
The conflict between Trump and Comey dates back to 2017 when Trump dismissed the FBI director during an investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Trump has repeatedly called for Comey's prosecution, intensifying his demands in the lead-up to the indictment.
Lawyers who have worked with Nachmanoff believe that the surrounding political atmosphere will not influence his judicial conduct. They highlight his extensive history of independence, fairness, and commitment to constitutional principles. Lisa Wayne, executive director of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, remarked that “Federal public defenders are renowned for their fidelity to the Constitution and due process,” suggesting that the White House should consider Nachmanoff's involvement as a protective measure against any appearance of partisan political motives.
In summary, as Michael Nachmanoff steps into this high-profile case amid political strife, the legal community remains cautiously optimistic that his judicial integrity will guide proceedings in a fair and unbiased manner.
