Maurene Comey is an American attorney who served as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY). She gained significant national attention due to her involvement in high-profile legal cases, including the prosecution of financier Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Comey played a role in the investigation into Epstein, who was charged with sex trafficking minors, and later assisted in the successful prosecution of Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 for aiding Epstein’s crimes.
Born into a prominent family, Maurene is the eldest daughter of James Comey, the former FBI Director who was dismissed by President Donald Trump in 2017. This connection has often brought additional scrutiny and public interest to her career. She graduated from the College of William & Mary and earned her law degree from Harvard Law School, where she also contributed to the Harvard Law Review. After law school, Comey gained legal experience by clerking for Chief Judge Loretta Preska of the Southern District of New York and working as an associate at the law firm Debevoise & Plimpton.
In 2014, she joined the Southern District of New York as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and eventually became Chief of the Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Her work focused on significant criminal cases, including those involving organized crime and violent offenses, before she moved on to more high-profile cases, such as those involving Epstein and Maxwell.
However, on July 16, 2025, Comey was dismissed from her role as Senior Trial Counsel in the SDNY. The Justice Department did not specify the reasons behind her termination, but the move quickly sparked controversy and speculation, especially given her father’s well-known history with President Trump. Critics have raised concerns that her firing might have been politically motivated, though the Justice Department maintains that the decision was within the president’s authority.
Early Life and Family
Maurene Ryan Comey was born in August 1988 to James Comey, the former FBI Director, and his wife, Patricia Failor. She is the eldest of their five children. Raised in a family deeply rooted in public service and law, Maurene was exposed to the intricacies of the legal system from a young age. Her father, James Comey, served as the FBI Director from 2013 until his dismissal in 2017 by President Donald Trump. This connection later became a focal point in discussions about Maurene’s career and the challenges she faced within the Department of Justice.
Education
Maurene pursued her undergraduate studies at the College of William & Mary, graduating in 2010. During her time there, she was an active member of the Sinfonicron Light Opera Company, showcasing her involvement in the arts. She then attended Harvard Law School, earning her Juris Doctor degree in 2013. At Harvard, Maurene was a contributor to the Harvard Law Review, indicating her strong academic performance and commitment to legal scholarship.
Career
Early Legal Experience
After completing her law degree, Maurene clerked for Chief Judge Loretta A. Preska of the Southern District of New York. Following her clerkship, she joined the prestigious law firm Debevoise & Plimpton as an associate, where she gained experience in complex litigation. Her tenure at Debevoise & Plimpton provided her with a solid foundation in legal practice, preparing her for her future role in public service.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York
In 2014, Maurene joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, one of the most influential federal prosecutor’s offices in the country. She became an Assistant U.S. Attorney in 2016 and later served as Chief of the Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Throughout her tenure, Maurene handled a variety of cases, including those involving organized crime, drug trafficking, and violent offenses.
Notable Cases
Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell
Maurene played a significant role in the prosecution of financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was charged with operating a sex trafficking ring involving minors. Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial. Following his death, Maurene continued to pursue justice by leading the prosecution of his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. In 2021, Maxwell was convicted on multiple counts related to the sexual exploitation of minors and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Sean “Diddy” Combs
In 2025, Maurene served as the lead prosecutor in the case against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, who faced charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. The jury acquitted Combs of the most serious charges but convicted him on a lesser prostitution-related offense. The mixed verdict drew attention and sparked discussions about the complexities of prosecuting high-profile individuals.
Dismissal from the Department of Justice
On July 16, 2025, Maurene Comey was dismissed from her position as Senior Trial Counsel in the Southern District of New York. The Department of Justice did not provide a specific reason for her termination, citing the president’s constitutional authority to remove federal employees. In a farewell message to her colleagues, Maurene expressed concern that such unexplained dismissals could instill fear among prosecutors and undermine the principle of acting “without fear or favor.”
Personal Life
Husband: Lucas Issacharoff
Maurene is married to Lucas Issacharoff, an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the Southern District of New York. The couple met through their work in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and have maintained a relatively low public profile regarding their personal life.
Family Background
As mentioned, Maurene is the daughter of James Comey, the former FBI Director. Her father’s tenure at the FBI became a point of contention during her career, especially following his dismissal by President Trump in 2017. The association led to increased scrutiny and challenges for Maurene within the Department of Justice.
Net Worth and Salary
While specific details about Maurene’s net worth are not publicly disclosed, as a federal prosecutor, her estimated annual salary ranged between $150,000 and $200,000. This estimate is based on the standard pay scales for Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Southern District of New York.
Conclusion
Maurene Comey’s career as a federal prosecutor was marked by significant legal achievements and challenges. Her involvement in high-profile cases such as those against Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Sean “Diddy” Combs showcased her legal acumen and commitment to justice. However, her unexpected dismissal from the Department of Justice in 2025 highlighted the complexities and potential political dynamics within federal law enforcement agencies. Maurene’s story underscores the intricate balance between personal legacy, professional integrity, and the broader political landscape in the realm of public service.
FAQs
What was Maurene Comey’s role in the Epstein case?
Maurene Comey played a significant role in the prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein, handling aspects of the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.
Who is Maurene Comey’s father?
Maurene’s father is James Comey, the former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
What was the outcome of the Sean Combs trial?
Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted of the most serious charges but convicted on a lesser prostitution-related offense.
Why was Maurene Comey dismissed from the Department of Justice?
The specific reason for Maurene Comey’s dismissal was not provided by the Department of Justice, citing the president’s constitutional authority to remove federal employees.
What is Maurene Comey’s educational background?
Maurene graduated from the College of William & Mary in 2010 and earned her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 2013.
Who is Maurene Comey’s husband?
Maurene is married to Lucas Issacharoff, an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the Southern District of New York.
What was Maurene Comey’s salary as a federal prosecutor?
While specific details are not publicly disclosed, her estimated annual salary ranged between $150,000 and $200,000.
What was Maurene Comey’s role in the Maxwell case?
Maurene led the prosecution of Ghislaine Maxwell, resulting in her conviction on multiple counts related to the sexual exploitation of minors.
What challenges did Maurene Comey face during her career?
Maurene faced increased scrutiny and challenges due to her father’s position as the former FBI Director, especially following his dismissal by President Trump in 2017.
