New York attorney general seeking power to prosecute Trump aides who are pardoned by the president

The Attorney General of New York is urging state lawmakers to modify state law so prosecutors would be free to charge in local court anyone federally pardoned, The New York Timesreported Wednesday.

“We are disturbed by reports that the president is considering pardons of individuals who may have committed serious federal financial, tax, and other crimes — acts that may also violate New York law,” Eric Schneiderman said in a statement. “We must ensure that if the president, or any president, issues such pardons, we can use the full force of New York’s laws to bring such individuals to justice.”

Schneider sent a three-page letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) and legislative leaders. Also included were two pages of endnotes citing legal precedence.