Legal Expert Doubts DOJ Case Against Comey Over Social Media Post

Fox News contributor Jonathan Turley expressed skepticism about the Department of Justice’s reported indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, Isaac Schorr reported for Mediaite.

Former FBI Director James Comey is under renewed legal scrutiny. (Photo: ©Paul Morigi Photography / Brookings Institution Flickr) 

A federal grand jury in North Carolina has reportedly indicted Comey over a controversial Instagram post from last year that Trump administration officials claimed was a threat.

The post featured seashells arranged to read “86 47,” which Comey captioned, “Cool shell formation on my beach walk.”

Turley argued the case may be weak. “I think that just showing the picture is going to be a weak case in terms of a threat,” he said, noting that a previous indictment involving alleged false statements under 18 U.S.C. §1001 had been dismissed.

“In my view, it would very likely be seen as protected speech if it were the basis of a criminal indictment,” Turley added.

“That alone would have a hard time standing up in court.”