Department of Justice Special Attorney Ed Martin visited New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Brooklyn property on Friday amid an ongoing federal mortgage fraud investigation. His visit comes just one week after being appointed by Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead criminal probes into both James and California Senator Adam Schiff. Grand juries in Virginia and Maryland are currently reviewing potential indictments.

The investigation focuses on allegations that James falsely claimed her Clinton Hill brownstone was a four-unit property rather than five, allowing her to qualify for favorable loans under federal housing guidelines. These programs, offered by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, are limited to properties with four or fewer units.

During Martin’s inspection, he was approached by a concerned neighbor who challenged his presence. Martin gave vague answers, calling the block “beautiful” and saying he was simply “looking at houses,” but the neighbor remained skeptical, implying the visit was politically motivated.

The probe was initially triggered in April by Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, who alleged James misrepresented the occupancy status of a Norfolk, Virginia, property purchased in 2023. She allegedly listed that residence as her “primary home” while continuing to serve as New York’s attorney general and using the Brooklyn home as a secondary address.

Further allegations claim James and her father falsely presented themselves as “husband and wife” on mortgage documents to meet lender requirements. Martin stated that both James and Schiff are being investigated for similar misconduct and reaffirmed his intent to pursue the case without bias.

Both James and Schiff have denied the allegations. Schiff’s legal counsel, former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, criticized the appointment of Martin, calling the investigation “politically compromised” and accusing the DOJ of weaponizing the legal system against political opponents.