Former Mob Prosecutor and Judge John Gleeson Files Affidavit Supporting James Comey Against '8647' Case

Former mob prosecutor and federal judge John Gleeson has filed a sworn affidavit in support of former FBI Director James Comey, challenging the Department of Justice's (DOJ) interpretation of "8647" as mafia code for murder. The case centers around an Instagram post by Comey that prosecutors claim is a coded threat.

Gleeson's affidavit directly contradicts the DOJ's assertion that "8647" refers to a criminal act, stating unequivocally that the term does not exist in mafia jargon and has no connection to any form of murder or killing. Gleeson, who was once lead counsel in high-profile cases against notorious mob figures like John Gotti, is well-versed in organized crime terminology.

The move comes as Comey's legal team, led by renowned attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, prepares to argue that the Instagram post cannot be construed as a true threat. With Gleeson's affidavit, they aim to bolster their case and highlight the lack of credible evidence supporting the DOJ’s interpretation.

Gleeson reached out to Comey's daughter, Maurene Comey, after learning about her father's indictment, offering his expertise in mafia jargon should it become necessary for expert testimony. This gesture underscores Gleeson's willingness to support Comey despite not being personally acquainted with him.

Maurene Comey herself has been a vocal critic of what she perceives as abuses of power by the Trump administration. She was abruptly fired from her position at the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Southern District of New York last summer, an action that is currently under legal scrutiny.

In his affidavit, Gleeson emphasizes his extensive experience in prosecuting organized crime figures and highlights specific cases where he successfully convicted individuals for serious crimes. His background lends significant credibility to Comey’s defense against the DOJ's allegations.

The filing also includes a motion by Comey's team arguing that the prosecution of Comey is vindictive and selective. They point out President Trump's history of targeting political opponents, including sharing images of them in prison jumpsuits, as evidence of his intent to punish Comey through legal means.

This case has broader implications for the relationship between law enforcement, political figures, and the justice system under the current administration. It raises questions about the extent to which political motivations can influence criminal investigations and prosecutions.