Federal judges declined to permanently appoint John A. Sarcone III as U.S. attorney, but the Justice Department made him first assistant, allowing him to remain in charge temporarily, according to the Times Union. His interim term expired this week, prompting a bureaucratic workaround to keep him in place.
The appointment sidesteps Senate confirmation and grants Sarcone up to 210 more days as acting U.S. attorney. His previous 120-day stint followed the February resignation of Carla Freedman. Judges had the option to name a permanent replacement but chose not to act.
Sarcone, supported by law enforcement leaders, argued he deserved to stay. Texts shared with reporters suggest DOJ officials expected judicial approval that never came, fueling confusion over his status and a scramble to retain his authority.
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