Explained: Federal Prosecutor Maurene Comey fired - was it for 'botching' Epstein-Maxwell and Diddy cases?

Maurene Comey was an Assistant US Attorney in the Southern District of New York (SDNY), widely regarded as the most influential federal prosecutor's office in the country. She is the daughter of former FBI director James Comey, who was fired by Donald Trump in 2017.Comey built a reputation for managing high-profile cases involving sexual exploitation, public corruption, and white-collar crime. Her career highlights include:She was also a lead attorney in Epstein-related matters and represented the DOJ in civil litigation seeking to block disclosure of certain investigative records, citing risks of harassment to victims and witnesses.While the Justice Department has declined comment, several factors appear to have contributed to her abrupt removal:The mixed verdict in the Combs case reportedly sparked frustration in the Trump administration. Although Comey secured a conviction, the acquittals on major charges were viewed internally as a prosecutorial failure. Independent observers, however, noted the case’s legal complexity and the difficulty of securing trafficking convictions.Comey's firing came just days after renewed controversy over the Epstein investigation. President Trump has come under fire from supporters for refusing to release Epstein-related files. In response, he claimed without evidence that materials were “concocted” by his political enemies—including former President Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and James Comey.Although there is no direct link between the firing and Comey’s involvement in the Epstein-Maxwell cases, legal experts say the timing strongly suggests a political motive. As recently as 2024, Comey filed declarations defending DOJ's decision not to unseal Epstein records, arguing that doing so would harm potential retrials and risk victim harassment.Comey's firing is part of a broader shake-up of SDNY:Wednesday’s dismissal of Comey is the most high-profile removal to date. Colleagues say she was informed by letter citing Article II and held an impromptu meeting with the co-chief of the Public Corruption Unit to share the news. She was reportedly escorted out with quiet respect from fellow prosecutors.The removal of a veteran prosecutor without a clear explanation—and during ongoing litigation involving her past cases—has raised serious alarms across legal circles.There is no official confirmation, but Trump’s long-standing animus toward James Comey, combined with Maurene Comey’s role in politically sensitive prosecutions, suggests the name alone may have made her a target.Yes. While the prosecution secured one conviction, the acquittals on more serious charges were viewed unfavourably within the administration.Yes. Her dismissal follows a series of resignations and removals at SDNY, marking a consolidation of influence over one of the most powerful US Attorney’s offices.With Comey gone and DOJ signalling that no client list exists, further federal action appears unlikely. Her departure removes a key figure who had previously defended maintaining file secrecy.No. Both have declined to comment. Trump has said publicly that Epstein “was never a big factor” and described the controversy as a distraction created by “past supporters.”