Lead prosecutor on former FBI Director Comey’s ‘seashells’ case withdraws without explanation

The lead prosecutor overseeing the prosecution stemming from former FBI Director James Comey’s seedy posts, which the Justice Department claims were threats against President Donald Trump, has withdrawn from the case, according to a court filing.

Matthew Petracca, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, was the sole prosecutor assigned to the case when it was opened late last month.

However, on Friday evening the Justice Department filed a notice with the court indicating that Petracca had been replaced by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo.

The department did not include any explanation for the move in this high-profile case.

Comey’s lawyers are expected to make a vigorous effort to have the case dismissed before trial through various legal challenges.

A Justice Department spokesperson did not immediately respond to ABC News’ request for comment.

Comey was accused of threatening to kill Trump by posting on Instagram a photo of shells on a beach arranged in the numbers “86 47”. Citing the slang meaning of “86” being “nicks” or “getting rid of”, the president’s aides alleged the post was a veiled threat against Trump, who is the 47th president.

Following backlash over the post, Comey removed the photo from Instagram and said he was not aware that the post might be linked to violence.

Trump’s critics say the indictment is another attempt by the administration to punish alleged enemies of the President After a judge last year threw out Indictment against Comey on unrelated charges.

At a press conference announcing the charges last month, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche argued that Comey’s posts crossed the line between First Amendment-protected speech and speech that requires prosecution.

Comey’s trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 21.