Federal Prosecutor Steps Aside in James Comey ‘Seashells’ Case — Major Twist Ahead of Trial

Added: 2026-06-03

[00:00:00]Lead federal prosecutor in James Comey seashells photo case steps aside.

[00:00:05]Matthew Petraca, the rookie prosecutor in the Comey seashells case, has stepped down. Petraca, a former Republican county committeeman, brought the case accusing James Comey of threatening President Trump. The case centers on a photo of seashells spelling out 8647 posted on Instagram. The numbers are thought to imply harm toward the president, though their exact meaning is unclear. Petraca left the case and other criminal cases in North Carolina recently. Assistant US Attorney Timothy Severo now leads the prosecution. The indictment claims the seashell image was a serious threat to the president. The case will go to trial in October if it survives legal challenges. Legal experts, including some conservatives, criticized the case as unconstitutional.

[00:00:53]Jonathan Turley said, "This indictment is unconstitutional and will not likely survive constitutional challenge."

[00:01:00]Comey's attorney plans to argue the prosecution is vindictive. President Trump called Comey a very dirty cop after the indictment.