In another devastating blow to former President Donald Trump, lawyer Kenneth Chesebro becomes the third defendant in the Georgia election interference case to plead guilty and agree to testify. This news comes as Trump faces further trouble in the New York financial fraud civil trial, with the judge threatening possible jail time and issuing a $5,000 fine for violating a gag order.
Georgia Election Interference:
Chesebro, like Powell, pleads guilty
Key players: Pro-Trump lawyers Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell, Judge Scott McAfee, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis
According to ABC News, Chesebro unexpectedly entered a guilty plea on Friday, making him the second defendant in as many days to do so in the expansive Georgia election interference case led by Willis. Notably, Chesebro has agreed to testify against the other defendants, including Trump. The deal, approved by McAfee, allows Chesebro to avoid jail time. He will instead serve five years’ probation, pay a $5,000 fine, write an apology letter to the citizens of Georgia, and complete 100 hours of community service. Chesebro was charged with seven criminal counts for concocting an alternate elector strategy to contest the election results. Both Powell and Chesebro had requested speedy trials and fervently maintained their innocence. Bail bondsman Scott Hall has also accepted a plea deal in the case.
Why it matters: Chesebro’s testimony against Trump could significantly weaken the former president’s defense and potentially encourage other defendants to accept plea deals.
New York Financial Fraud:
Judge threatens Trump with possible jail time, fines him $5,000
Key players: Judge Arthur Engoron, Trump attorney Christopher Kise
According to the Associated Press, Engoron fined Trump $5,000 on Friday for violating the gag order that was issued after Trump attacked a member of the judge’s staff. Earlier in the day, Engoron criticized Trump’s lawyers for blatantly violating the order. Engoron emphasized the potential harm caused by spreading inflammatory misinformation and warned that Trump could face serious sanctions, including imprisonment. Kise apologized on behalf of Trump, stating that the violation was unintentional. Engoron has already ruled that Trump, his adult sons, and their family business are liable for years of financial fraud in New York. The judge has been accused by Trump of bias against him. Engoron’s fine serves as a warning that he has the authority to enforce sanctions against Trump for disregarding court orders.
Why it matters: Engoron’s ruling may have significant consequences for Trump, as he will determine the penalties Trump and his family must pay in the financial fraud case.
In conclusion, these developments are threatening to Trump’s legal standing as he faces guilty pleas and potential witnesses in the Georgia election interference case, as well as the risk of jail time and fines in the New York financial fraud trial. It remains to be seen how these events will impact his defense and legal outcomes.
