A federal judge has barred the Justice Department from searching the personal data of Daniel Richman, a longtime associate of James Comey described by prosecutors as his media intermediary, without first obtaining a search warrant.
U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ruled that federal investigators may not review Richman’s personal computer hard drive for additional classified material beyond a single classified memorandum from Comey that was previously identified, absent a valid warrant. In a written order, Kollar-Kotelly stated, “ORDERED that the Government shall not review Petitioner Richman’s materials for any additional classified material beyond the single classified memorandum from Mr. Comey that was originally contained in Petitioner Richman’s personal computer hard drive without first obtaining a valid search warrant.”
Earlier this month, Kollar-Kotelly directed the Justice Department to return all materials seized from Richman several years ago, issuing the order roughly one week after blocking prosecutors from accessing evidence tied to the criminal case involving Comey. Over the weekend, she further restricted the government’s ability to examine Richman’s files.
Richman had moved to block the DOJ from accessing his data as the Trump administration prepares a new indictment against Comey. Federal authorities seized Richman’s materials years earlier, and he sought judicial relief to prevent their review.
