Prosecutor John Sarcone Faces ‘Professional Misconduct’ Allegations as DOJ Calls Complaint a 'Politicized Attack'

A New York judicial committee has found that John Sarcone, President Donald Trump’s choice to lead the U.S. attorney’s office in Albany, engaged in “professional misconduct.” This comes following a complaint tied to his actions in office and statements made after an alleged assault in June 2025.

The Attorney Grievance Committee for the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department said there was a “sufficient basis for a finding of professional misconduct” against Sarcone. The finding came after a complaint filed in 2025 August by the non-profit Campaign for Accountability.

According to a letter released on May 11, the committee said it had “taken appropriate action” and that the matter is concluded. However, the panel did not explain what action was taken because disciplinary proceedings remain sealed and confidential.

Sarcone, who has no prior prosecutorial experience before taking the role, is currently leading the Northern District of New York Office under the title of first assistant U.S. attorney. Federal judges in summer 2025 declined to extend his interim appointment after it ended. The Trump administration then kept him in charge of the office through the first assistant role.

He is also awaiting a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit after challenging a judge’s decision. The ruling blocked Sarcone from continuing investigations into New York Attorney General Lelita James, a longtime political opponent of Trump.

Campaign for Accountability said Sarcone showed “erratic and potentially illegal conduct.” Much of the complaint centred on statements he made after a conflict with Saul Morales-Garcia in June 2025.

Sarcone said Morales-Garcia lunged at him with a knife and threatened to kill him. Morales-Garcia was first charged with attempted murder, but Albany County District Attorney Lee Kindlon later dropped the charge and reduced the weapons charge to a misdemeanour.

“A fair reading of the evidence and controlling case law informs that this incident did not rise to the level of attempted murder,” Kindlon said in a statement.

Morales-Garcia later pleaded guilty to the misdemeanour charges and was sentenced to jail for 90 days.

Campaign for Accountability also accused Sarcone of making statements that conflicted with security video footage and questioned claims tied to his residential address.

The group argued that his conduct may have violated state rules that bar prosecutors from pursuing charges not backed by probable cause.

Michelle Kuppersmith, the group’s executive director, said the committee’s action did not go far enough.

“A secret slap on the wrist is insufficient,” Kuppersmith said. “Mr. Sarcone’s pattern of conduct reflects on his credibility as an officer of the court.

The U.S. Department of Justice rejected the allegations. Spokesperson Emily Covington called the complaint a “politicized attack on a United States Attorney.”