A federal judge in Nevada has determined that Sigal Chattah, the Trump‑appointed interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada, is not lawfully serving in that capacity.
Judge David Campbell issued the ruling Tuesday, siding with criminal defendants who challenged Chattah’s authority in several cases.
The judge found that Chattah’s appointment violated the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, which caps how long an interim U.S. Attorney may serve without Senate confirmation.
The ruling bars Chattah from supervising the defendants’ cases. Judge Campbell declined to dismiss the indictments entirely.
Chattah had been named interim U.S. Attorney in March. As her 120‑day interim term neared expiration, the Justice Department reassigned her to a different role so she could continue acting as U.S. Attorney—an arrangement the judge deemed impermissible.
Observers say the decision may cast doubt on prior decisions reached under Chattah’s leadership and could require review of ongoing prosecutions in Nevada.
This is the second time recently that a court has partially sidelined a Trump‑era prosecutor over questions about the legality of their appointment. Earlier this year, a judge removed Alina Habba from some cases as acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey on related grounds.