LOS ANGELES (RTWNews) — A federal judge disqualified Bill Essayli, the acting U.S. Attorney in Southern California, from several cases after determining that he has overstayed his temporary appointment, which has lasted longer than legally permitted. U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright’s ruling on Tuesday sided with defense lawyers in three criminal prosecution cases, emphasizing that Essayli's time in the acting role exceeded federal limits. Despite this, the judge ruled he could retain his position as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney, thus continuing his role as the office’s leading prosecutor.


In a social media response, Essayli expressed his commitment to advancing former President Donald Trump’s agenda, asserting, “Nothing is changing.” The ruling marks another setback for the Trump administration's attempts to maintain its chosen acting U.S. attorneys beyond the designated 120-day limit per federal law.


Previously, similar rulings disqualified acting U.S. attorneys in other states, including Nevada and New Jersey. Essayli's track record includes his tenure as a former federal prosecutor and Republican California Assemblymember, where he has advocated for conservative policies and challenged California's immigration protections.


Under federal regulations, if a permanent U.S. attorney is not nominated and confirmed within 120 days, judges from the federal district court are permitted to designate an interim replacement. However, California Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla have voiced their concerns regarding Essayli’s appointment, which lacks Senate approval. His appointment as interim occurred after the resignation of former President Joe Biden’s appointee, just under the 120-day threshold, before he was appointed to the acting role.


U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi facilitated his appointment while maintaining that he could serve as acting U.S. attorney under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998. However, Judge Seabright indicated that this law applies only under circumstances where the previous U.S. attorney has become deceased, resigned, or incapacitated.


The lawsuit leading to his disqualification was initiated by defendants facing federal firearms charges, who sought to have their indictments dismissed. Legal proceedings against them will now continue, regardless of the recent ruling.