Watchdog Files to Unseal John Sarcone Disciplinary Proceedings
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 30, 2026
Contact: Michael Clauw, mclauw@campaignforaccountability.org, 202.780.5750
Today, Campaign for Accountability (CfA), represented by Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, petitioned the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate Division Third Judicial Department to unseal all records concerning the disciplinary proceeding conducted by the Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department against John A. Sarcone III, the First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York (NDNY).
On August 6, 2025, CfA filed a bar complaint against Mr. Sarcone, then serving as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York, for a series of actions that appeared to run afoul of the Rules of Professional Conduct, including: (i) making false statements about an alleged assault, (ii) causing an unwarranted charge of attempted murder to be filed (and later dropped) against the alleged assailant, (iii) providing a false residential address in a sworn statement, seemingly in violation of federal law requiring that he reside in the district in which he was serving, and (iv) retaliating against the newspaper whose reporting raised questions about his residency.
Eight months later, on April 1, 2026, the Grievance Committee responded with a letter stating it had determined that some of Mr. Sarcone’s actions amounted to professional misconduct. Despite the serious nature of Mr. Sarcone’s conduct, the Grievance Committee wrote only that it “determined there was a sufficient basis for a finding of professional misconduct” against Mr. Sarcone and that it “took appropriate action” against him, without specifying further. CfA’s suit argues that the public has a right to know which actions the committee had determined violated bar rules and what the consequences were for those violations.
Given that Mr. Sarcone continues to serve the public as NDNY’s most senior attorney, CfA argues the contents of his disciplinary proceeding are a matter of vital public interest and that releasing the material presents no risk of any new harm to Mr. Sarcone’s reputation, considering the already extensive news coverage of his actions. Additionally, the First Amendment should trump the secrecy provisions the Grievance Committee cited to keep the proceedings sealed. CfA’s petition comes on the heels of a Second Circuit ruling affirming a presumptive First Amendment right of public access to Grievance Committee proceedings involving prosecutors accused of misconduct.
CfA Executive Director Michelle Kuppersmith stated, “It is noteworthy that in just a few short months on the job, the Grievance Committee found Mr. Sarcone violated the rules of professional conduct, but ridiculous that those findings remain secret. Not only does the public have a right to this information—particularly given that Mr. Sarcone is the most senior federal law enforcement officer in the state—but courts should have the opportunity to evaluate any appearances, filings, or statements Mr. Sarcone makes in light of those findings, some of which may reflect on his truthfulness.”
Campaign for Accountability is a nonpartisan, nonprofit watchdog organization that uses research, litigation, and aggressive communications to expose misconduct and malfeasance in public life and hold those who act at the expense of the public good accountable for their actions.