NEW YORK, N.Y. — New York Attorney General Letitia James is facing new scrutiny following reports that several of her family members — including one with an active criminal record — have been living in properties she owns in Virginia, which are now part of an ongoing federal investigation.
According to documents obtained by the New York Post, the properties in question are at the center of a federal probe into potential mortgage misrepresentation. Investigators are reportedly examining whether James made false statements on loan applications used to purchase the homes.
Among those residing in the Norfolk-area properties is James’s grand-niece, Cayla Thompson-Hairston, age 21, who has faced multiple criminal charges in recent years.
Family Ties and Legal Questions
Court filings reviewed by The Post indicate that Thompson-Hairston was charged in April 2024 with providing false information on a federal firearm form while attempting to purchase a gun in Suffolk, Virginia.
The charge alleged that she lied about her prior felony record — specifically, a 2020 charge of malicious wounding, one of the state’s most serious violent crimes, which involves intentionally causing bodily harm with the intent to maim or kill.
At the time of the earlier incident, Thompson-Hairston was a juvenile, meaning much of her case record remains sealed. Prosecutors ultimately dismissed the 2024 firearm charge after determining that the earlier felony had been reduced to a misdemeanor through a plea agreement, meaning she was no longer prohibited from owning a firearm.
Despite the dismissal, the case brought renewed attention to her background — and her connection to one of the most powerful political figures in the country.
A Social Media Spotlight
The Post’s report also noted that Thompson-Hairston maintains an active presence on subscription-based platforms, including OnlyFans, where she posts adult-oriented content.
Her social media profiles feature explicit images, videos, and posts showing cash, luxury items, and her boyfriend. She has also publicly announced her pregnancy and regularly documents her personal life online — a sharp contrast to the confidentiality surrounding her sealed juvenile cases.
The public nature of her content has added another layer of controversy to the ongoing story, given her familial connection to a sitting state attorney general.
A Sister on the Run
Documents obtained by reporters also reveal that Thompson-Hairston’s older sister, Nakia Thompson, 36, has an extensive criminal history and is currently wanted in North Carolina on outstanding warrants.
Authorities describe Nakia as a fugitive from justice, alleging she has been evading law enforcement while residing in one of the homes tied to Letitia James.
Both women are said to have been living at properties in Norfolk, Virginia, owned directly by James, according to property records cited in the report.
Federal Investigation Centers on Property Loans
Those same Virginia properties are now under federal investigation for possible mortgage fraud. Prosecutors allege that James misrepresented key details on mortgage applications, including the nature of her ownership and the intended use of the homes.
Specifically, investigators claim James purchased one of the properties in 2020 for $137,000, identifying it as a “second home” she planned to occupy. However, federal filings reportedly show that she never lived there, instead allowing family members — including her nieces — to move in shortly after the purchase.
Prosecutors allege that by classifying the property as a second home rather than a rental or investment property, James qualified for a lower mortgage interest rate, potentially saving an estimated $19,000 over the loan’s duration.
Such misrepresentation, if proven, could constitute bank fraud and false statement charges under federal law.
Potential Legal Exposure
James, who has gained national attention for her legal battles against former President Donald Trump and the National Rifle Association, now faces her own federal charges linked to the same Virginia real estate deals.
Prosecutors allege that the attorney general personally signed mortgage documents containing false information about her residency and marital status. In one instance, investigators claim James listed her father as her husband to qualify for a better loan rate — a detail that federal officials are reportedly scrutinizing.
If convicted on all counts, James could face up to 60 years in prison, though legal experts note that such a sentence would be rare and would depend heavily on the outcome of the federal case.
James has publicly denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the allegations as “politically motivated attacks” aimed at undermining her office’s work.
Testimony and Evidence
According to court documents cited by The Post, Nakia Thompson testified before a federal grand jury, confirming that she lived in the property owned by James and did not pay rent.
Prosecutors allege that this testimony supports their argument that James misled her mortgage lender by claiming the property would be used for her own residence.
The grand jury investigation reportedly includes financial documents, email correspondence, and property management records connected to the Virginia homes.
Public and Political Fallout
The revelations have sparked intense debate across political circles, given James’s high-profile role as a leading Democratic figure and a frequent critic of conservative officials.
Her political opponents have pointed to the investigation as evidence of ethical hypocrisy, while her supporters argue that the probe is an overreach timed to damage her reputation.
“It’s ironic,” one New York political strategist told the Post anonymously, “that the same person who spent years prosecuting financial misrepresentation cases now finds herself accused of it.”
Within New York, the story has also reignited discussions about accountability among elected officials and whether state ethics boards should intervene when an official faces serious federal allegations.
What Happens Next
Federal prosecutors have not yet announced a trial date but confirmed that James is expected to appear in court later this year to respond to the charges.
Legal analysts say the case could take months to unfold as investigators continue gathering evidence.
If found guilty, James could face fines, restitution orders, and disbarment, in addition to potential prison time.
Meanwhile, questions continue to mount about her family’s presence at the Norfolk properties — and whether James’s personal connections influenced her handling of the homes’ finances and occupancy.
“The optics are terrible, regardless of the legal outcome,” said ethics attorney Mark Feldman. “Even if she didn’t technically break the law, it raises serious concerns about judgment and propriety.”
James Jenkins is a celebrated Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose work has reshaped the way readers think about social justice and human rights in America. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, James grew up in a community that instilled in him both resilience and a strong sense of responsibility toward others. After studying political science and creative writing at Howard University, he worked as a journalist covering civil rights issues before dedicating himself fully to fiction. His novels are known for their sharp, empathetic portraits of marginalized communities and for weaving personal stories with broader political realities. Jenkins’s breakout novel, Shadows of Freedom, won national acclaim for its unflinching look at systemic inequality, while his more recent works explore themes of identity, resilience, and the fight for dignity in the face of oppression. Beyond his novels, James is an active public speaker, lecturing at universities and participating in nonprofit initiatives that support literacy and community empowerment. He believes that storytelling is a way to preserve history and inspire change. When not writing, James enjoys jazz music, mentoring young writers, and traveling with his family to explore cultures and stories around the world.
