A Cracking Facade: Tenants Speak Out
For years, New York Attorney General Letitia James has built a reputation as a fearless prosecutor of landlords and fraudsters. But recent events suggest that the very standards she imposes on others are being violated in her own backyard. Two formal complaints were filed on April 16 against James’ Brooklyn property at 296 Lafayette Avenue, citing deteriorating paint conditions. The filings appear in the NYC HPD database just 48 hours after the Federal Housing Finance Agency referred James to the DOJ for possible mortgage fraud and perjury.
Timing Matters
The proximity of these tenant complaints to the FHFA’s criminal referral is striking. The FHFA letter, dated April 14, 2025, and addressed to U.S. Attorney General Pamela J. Bondi, outlines serious allegations against James. In the letter, FHFA Director William J. Pulte states that James allegedly “falsified bank documents and property records to acquire government backed assistance and loans and more favorable loan terms” for both her Virginia and Brooklyn properties. This referral was based largely on information originally published in this blog, including a comprehensive exposé that lays out the case against James in detail.
The AG’s Own Office May Be Next
Sources suggest that the unrest isn’t confined to James’ tenants. Discontent is reportedly growing inside her own office. Career staffers, uncomfortable with the widening scandal, are considering coming forward. Some may already be in contact with law enforcement. As the case against James expands, don’t be surprised if whistleblowers from inside the AG’s office go public—or provide sealed testimony.
The Bigger Picture: Hypocrisy and Evasion
Letitia James has long fashioned herself as a crusader for justice, especially when it comes to housing abuses and financial misrepresentation. But the growing stack of allegations—including the fraudulent classification of her Brooklyn property as a 4-unit when city records show 5, the undeclared Virginia principal residence, and missing mortgage disclosures—suggests a stark double standard.
The FHFA referral specifically cites that James claimed her Virginia property would be her “primary residence” despite being required by law to maintain New York residency as the state’s Attorney General. The letter also notes that “spanning the last two decades, Ms. James has consistently misrepresented the [Brooklyn] property as only having four units” in various documents.
Her office prosecuted Donald Trump for misstatements in real estate filings, securing a $355 million judgment. Now James faces similar allegations from multiple angles—including complaints from her own tenants that expose potential neglect of her property’s maintenance obligations.
Stay Tuned
With formal tenant complaints now on record and the FHFA’s criminal referral in the hands of the Department of Justice, the next few weeks could see a dramatic escalation. The HPD complaints show that two different units in her building reported peeling paint on the same day—potentially indicating a building-wide maintenance issue rather than isolated incidents.
What’s particularly telling is that according to the official HPD record, inspectors were unable to gain access to the property. The system notes: “The Department of Housing Preservation and Development was not able to gain access to inspect the conditions. If the conditions still exist and an inspection is required, please contact the borough office with your complaint number at 718 827 – 1955 (BROOKLYN).” This failed inspection attempt raises serious questions about whether James or her representatives are avoiding official documentation of housing violations—the very type of conduct her office routinely prosecutes other landlords for.
If you’re wondering whether a palace revolt is brewing inside @NewYorkStateAG Letitia James’ office—you’re not alone. As inspectors attempt to gain access to her property and federal authorities review the criminal referral, this story is far from over. As I stated in my recent Newsmax interview, “I will hold her personally accountable” for these alleged fraudulent activities that have now drawn federal attention.
Written by,
Sam Antar
© 2025 Sam Antar. All rights reserved.