The lead federal prosecutor overseeing the criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey is stepping away from the matter, according to court filings cited by multiple outlets. The case stems from allegations that Comey made threats against President Donald Trump in a now-deleted social media post involving “seashells.” The filings state that a “notice of substitution” has been filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina, indicating that the Justice Department replaces the departing prosecutor with another attorney, described in reporting as an assistant U.S. attorney or a different prosecutor assigned to take over the case. Several outlets report that the change occurs ahead of a scheduled October trial date. ABC News and others say the withdrawal is not accompanied by an explanation in the record reviewed for their reports. Comey has maintained his innocence, according to coverage that references his position against the charges. The case continues under the new prosecutor as the court schedules and proceedings move forward.