Justice Department faces hurdle in seeking case against Comey as judge cites constitutional violations

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A federal judge ruled Friday that the Justice Department violated constitutional rights by retaining and searching a Comey associate’s computer files without a warrant.

The decision imposes a major obstacle to prosecutors seeking a new indictment against the former FBI director, whom the Trump administration accuses of lying to Congress.

Comey’s initial indictment was dismissed last month after a judge found the prosecutor unlawfully appointed, but the government could pursue new charges.

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department violated the constitutional rights of a close friend of James B. Comey and must return to him computer files that prosecutors had hoped to use for a potentia