A federal judge ruled late Tuesday that acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli has been unlawfully serving in the role, but declined to dismiss several criminal cases managed under his tenure or to completely force Essayli out of the federal prosecutors office.

"Simply stated: Essayli unlawfully assumed the role of Acting United States Attorney for the Central District of California. He has been unlawfully serving in that capacity since his resignation from the interim role on July 29, Essayli may not perform the functions and duties of the United States Attorney as Acting United States Attorney. He is disqualified from serving in that role," wrote US District Court Judge J. Michael Seabright.

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Essayli, a former state a

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