Recent developments in the Arizona false electors case highlight how close former President Donald Trump came to facing indictment. This case is one of several legal actions taken against individuals who falsely claimed to be electors for Trump. While only the Georgia case has seen charges against Trump himself, the Arizona case involves significant legal risks for both Trump and his associates.
In Arizona, 11 individuals who falsely posed as electors have been charged with multiple felonies. Additionally, seven Trump allies who were involved in orchestrating the scheme have also faced charges. Jenna Ellis, a former Trump attorney, has agreed to cooperate with the prosecution, while one fake elector, Loraine Pellegrino, has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor.
The legal strategy in such cases often leads to a series of plea deals as defendants seek to mitigate their own risks. Lower-level participants might cooperate to receive lighter sentences, hoping to continue their political careers or avoid severe consequences. However, for high-profile Trump associates, the stakes are much higher, particularly given Ellis’s role and cooperation.
Donald Trump
Ellis’s agreement to testify could significantly impact other defendants, including notable Trump allies like Rudy Giuliani, Boris Epshteyn, John Eastman, and Mark Meadows. Her detailed knowledge and involvement in the alleged illegal activities make her a potentially valuable witness against these figures.
Interestingly, a recent filing reveals that the grand jury in the Arizona case considered indicting Trump but was dissuaded by the prosecutor based on the Department of Justice’s Petite Policy. This policy, which avoids federal prosecution when a state case is ongoing, was used by the prosecutor to justify not pursuing charges against Trump, even though jurors had shown interest in doing so.
This decision, influenced by the Petite Policy, has drawn criticism and raised concerns about its impact on the case’s future. Despite Trump’s attempts to avoid accountability, the Arizona case underscores the persistent legal challenges he faces. As the case progresses and more plea deals emerge, Trump and his associates remain at significant risk, especially if key figures like Giuliani face convictions and decide to cooperate further.
