A federal judge has found evidence of misconduct in the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey. U.S. Magistrate Judge William Fitzgerald ruled on Monday that the Justice Department's handling of the case involved significant legal errors. He ordered prosecutors to provide grand jury materials to Comey's defense team.

Fitzgerald's ruling highlighted a "disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps" by the prosecution, led by Lindsey Halligan, a Trump-appointed U.S. attorney. The judge noted that Halligan may have made fundamental misstatements of law while presenting evidence to the grand jury. He also pointed out the use of potentially privileged communications and irregularities in the grand jury transcript.

"The record points to a disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps, missteps that led an FBI agent and a prosecutor to potentially undermine the integrity of the grand jury proceeding," Fitzgerald wrote in his 24-page opinion.

Comey, who was indicted in September on charges of making false statements and obstructing a congressional investigation, has pleaded not guilty. He claims the charges stem from President Donald Trump's "personal spite" against him due to his criticism of the president and his role in investigating contacts between Trump's 2016 campaign and Russia.

The judge's ruling comes amid ongoing challenges to the indictment, including claims that Halligan's appointment was illegal and that the prosecution is vindictive. Fitzgerald acknowledged that the relief sought by Comey's defense is rarely granted but deemed it necessary due to the specific concerns raised about the grand jury process.

Halligan, who had no prior prosecutorial experience, was appointed just days before presenting the case to the grand jury. The judge's decision to disclose grand jury materials is considered an extraordinary remedy, given the strict secrecy rules typically surrounding such documents. Fitzgerald stated that the defense has shown a specific need for these records to protect Comey's rights.

The ruling adds to the scrutiny surrounding the Justice Department's investigations into Trump critics. Comey is one of three prominent figures recently charged by the department, raising concerns about political motivations in these cases. Other critics of Trump, including former national security adviser John Bolton and New York Attorney General Letitia James, have also faced indictments, prompting alarm among Democrats about the implications for political independence in criminal investigations.