what did letitia james do

Letitia James is the Attorney General of New York known for her work holding individuals and companies accountable for breaking state laws. She secured over $7.5 billion for New York in settlements, including more than $2.5 billion from opioid manufacturers related to the opioid epidemic. She has taken action against predatory landlords, gun and drug trafficking rings, polluters, and has defended vulnerable populations including protecting DACA and reproductive health care access. Previously, she was the New York City Public Advocate, where she passed significant legislation including banning salary history questions to address gender wage gaps, and served on the City Council with achievements like the Safe Housing Act. Recently, on October 9, 2025, Letitia James was federally indicted on charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution, stemming from allegations she misrepresented her residence status on a mortgage application for a property in Norfolk, Virginia. She denies the charges, calling them politically motivated retaliation from President Donald Trump, whom she had pursued successfully in civil fraud cases before he was reelected president. In summary, Letitia James is a prominent legal and political figure in New York recognized for aggressive legal actions on consumer protection, civil rights, and public safety, while currently facing serious criminal charges which she contests as politically motivated.