Current:Home > StocksWill Sage Astor-Defendant in Georgia election interference case asks judge to unseal records -Capitatum
Will Sage Astor-Defendant in Georgia election interference case asks judge to unseal records
PredictIQ View
Date:2025-04-07 12:34:19
Attorney Kenneth Chesebro,Will Sage Astor one of the 19 defendants in the Fulton County election interference case, filed a motion Monday asking a judge to unseal a host of underlying records in the case -- including the special grand jury report that recommended charges, the transcripts of testimony heard by the panel, and any recordings of the proceedings.
Chesebro is set to stand trial in the case on Oct. 23, after a judge granted his request for a speedy trial. He, Smith and former President Donald Trump were charged along with 16 others earlier this month in a sweeping racketeering indictment for alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in the state of Georgia. The former president says his actions were not illegal and that the investigation is politically motivated.
MORE: Willis seeks to have all 19 defendants in Georgia election case tried together
In his motion on Monday, Chesebro's attorneys said the materials he's requesting "are critical for Chesebro to obtain in order to properly prepare for trial."
The motion said that numerous witnesses "including co-Defendants, unindicted co-conspirators, and traditional witnesses" testified before the special purpose grand jury, and that Chesebro "anticipates that many of these same people will testify at his trial."
"Finally, there is also an overarching due process concern that Mr. Chesebro have access to all prior testimony of witnesses who are expected to testify at trial (and made statements before the special purpose grand jury) in order to properly defend himself," the filing said.
Chesebro's attorney, Scott Grubman, told ABC News, "Mr. Chesebro has the right to obtain as much information as he can regarding the grand jury proceeding which, after indictment, is not considered secret. That is the purpose of these motions."
The special purpose grand jury -- which did not have indictment power but recommended that charges be brought -- was seated for nearly eight months and heard testimony from over 75 witnesses, including some of Trump's closest allies. A portion of its findings were released in a final report, excerpts of which were released to the public in February.
In a separate motion on Monday, Chesebro moved to conduct "voluntary interviews" of members of the separate grand jury that ultimately returned the indictment, in order to ask them if they "actually read the entire indictment or, alternatively, whether it was merely summarized for them," the filing said.
veryGood! (7274)
Related
- RFK Jr. closer to getting on New Jersey ballot after judge rules he didn’t violate ‘sore loser’ law
- How many points did Caitlin Clark score today? Rookie's minutes limited with playoffs looming
- An NYC laundromat stabbing suspect is fatally shot by state troopers
- Louisiana-Monroe not going to 'hold any fear' vs. Arch Manning, defensive coordinator says
- Tropical weather brings record rainfall. Experts share how to stay safe in floods.
- JoJo was a teen sensation. At 33, she’s found her voice again
- Woman sues Florida sheriff after mistaken arrest lands her in jail on Christmas
- Strong storm flips over RVs in Oklahoma and leaves 1 person dead
- Audit: California risked millions in homelessness funds due to poor anti-fraud protections
- 15 new movies you'll want to stream this fall, from 'Wolfs' to 'Salem's Lot'
Ranking
- Illinois Gov. Pritzker calls for sheriff to resign after Sonya Massey shooting
- This fund has launched some of the biggest names in fashion. It’s marking 20 years
- Human remains are found inside an SUV that officials say caused pipeline fire in suburban Houston
- Jets' Aaron Rodgers, Robert Saleh explain awkward interaction after TD vs. Patriots
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Philadelphia officer who died weeks after being shot recalled as a dedicated public servant
- Shohei Ohtani shatters Dodgers records with epic 3-homer, 10-RBI game vs. Marlins
- Over two dozen injured on school field trip after wagon flips at Wisconsin apple orchard
Recommendation
American news website Axios laying off dozens of employees
Japan celebrates as Ohtani becomes the first major leaguer to reach 50-50 milestone
Josh Heupel's rise at Tennessee born out of Oklahoma firing that was blessing in disguise
‘They try to keep people quiet’: An epidemic of antipsychotic drugs in nursing homes
'Stranger Things' prequel 'The First Shadow' is headed to Broadway
George Kittle injury update: Is 49ers TE playing in Week 3?
Burlington pays $215K to settle a lawsuit accusing an officer of excessive force
Meet Your New Favorite Candle Brand: Emme NYC Makes Everything From Lychee to Durian Scents