Source: Doug Mills/The New York Times
Accused of scheming to overturn Georgia loss in 2020 presidential election, Former President Donald J. Trump, on Thursday, was charged with 13 felonies as he surrendered at the Fulton County jail in Atlanta.
Allegedly, Trump asked Brad Raffensperger, Georgia’s secretary of state, to “find” one vote so he could reach 11,780 votes – the magic number to win the Georgia state and its Electoral College votes. Reportedly, it was dubbed as the “perfect” call by Trump and his aides.
The prosecution is led by Ms. Fani Willis. A dogged prosecutor by reputation, Ms. Willis was about to join as Fulton County District Attorney in Georgia when Trump made the controversial phone call.
Trump flew on his private jet to surrender at Atlanta jail. The notorious jail is known for its deplorably unhygienic conditions. He spent about 20 minutes at the jail, getting biometrics registered, and a mugshot clicked – a first for any serving or former president, before bailing out on a $200,000 bond.
Although booked for the first time, the case is his fourth in a year. Prior to booking, Trump shook up his entire legal team to hire veteran lawyer, Steven H. Sadow, who is known for representing prominent rappers. Seemingly defiant, Trump alleged ‘travesty of justice’ before leaving Atlanta.
4th Indictment
With the Atlanta jail booking, Trump completes four indictments in a year.
In the fourth indictment, Trump and 18 others — including former Mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani — could be facing 5-20 prison years under Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), used to indict mobsters. He’s been accused of conspiring fraud and theft against the state.
Previously, Trump has faced charges in Florida and Washington.
He is also the first former president in US history to be indicted.
Legal Team Shakedown
Before heading to Atlanta Jail on Thursday, Trump shook down his entire legal team to anoint prominent criminal defense lawyer Steven Sadow.
The veteran lawyer replaced equally distinguished lawyer Drew Findling, who until Monday was negotiating Trump’s bond terms.
But in a recent court filing, Mr. Sadow was listed as the lead counsel for Trump.
In a public statement, Sadow called the indictments “shocking and absurd” and pleaded for the former president’s innocence on all the charges.
Trump’s Defiance
In an email released prior to the booking, Trump ranted against Democrats and called out all four indictments as “sham” and alleged a “political witch-hunt” to stop him from winning the 2024 elections.
In response to the Georgia indictment, he cried “travesty of justice” as he had every right to challenge a “dishonest” election.
In a historic mug shot taken at the Fulton County jail, Trump posed furiously scowling at the camera lens as he’s suited in navy with a red tie. His team used the picture to raise fund for Trump’s campaigning for the 2024 elections.
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