A federal judge has temporarily blocked prosecutors from accessing materials from James Comey’s ally, Daniel Richman, complicating the ongoing criminal case against the former FBI director.

Richman, a Columbia law professor and Comey confidant, sued in November, alleging the government unlawfully searched his computer to support claims that Comey lied to Congress about authorizing leaks.

The judge ruled that the warrantless search likely violated Richman’s Fourth Amendment rights and blocked access to the files until December 12.

Comey has denied wrongdoing, and prior charges against him were dismissed due to improper appointment of the prosecutor, though a re-indictment is expected, The Guardian has reported.

The ruling comes amid broader prosecutorial setbacks in the Eastern District of Virginia, including a failed attempt to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James.