A judge blocks DOJ from using Comey case evidence from Richman’s computer due to warrantless searches.

A U.S. federal judge has temporarily barred the Justice Department from using evidence from Daniel Richman’s personal computer in any potential prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey, citing likely Fourth Amendment violations. The December 7, 2025, ruling by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly follows concerns that the government retained and searched Richman’s data without a warrant after a prior investigation ended. The judge ordered the materials secured by December 8 and restricted access without court approval. The evidence, seized in 2017 during a classified leaks probe, is central to DOJ considerations of new charges against Comey, whose earlier charges for lying to Congress were dismissed due to procedural flaws. The temporary order remains until December 12 or further court action.