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Federal judge rejects requests by 3 Trump co-defendants in Georgia case, Cathy Latham, David Shafer, Shawn Still, to move their trials

Setback for Trump Allies as Federal Judge Denies Trial Transfer Bid

By: Jane Doe and John Smith

Last Updated: September 29, 2023 | 6:24 PM in National News

Equating Presidential Electors to Federal Officers Denied

In a pivotal moment in the ongoing Fulton County election interference case, a federal judge has rejected attempts by Trump co-defendants Cathy Latham, David Shafer, and state Senator Shawn Still, to transfer their prosecutions to federal court. Judge Steve C. Jones dismissed the assertion by the defendants that their roles as electors for the Republican party in the 2020 presidential election in Georgia qualified them as federal officers, thus justifying their move to federal court. "Presidential electors are not federal officers," Jones wrote in his orders to all three.

Judge Jones further elaborated that voting as state electors appointed by the party does not equate to holding a position of trust or profit or authority from the United States. He stated, "Presidential electors meet in their respective states, cast their ballots, and transmit them to Congress…There is nothing about these actions or the Constitutional text that grants a presidential elector command over any federal activities."

A Blow to Trump Allies Seeking Federal Jurisdiction

Describing the role of electors as a federal function, Jones explained that this was insufficient to classify them as federal officers. He added, "To suggest otherwise would transform all citizens casting ballots into federal officers." Following the court's ruling, Shawn Still's lawyer, Tom Bever expressed disappointment and mentioned they would review the order and potential options.

In a similar vein, Judge Jones declined to move co-defendant Jeffrey Clark's case to federal court asserting that he had not demonstrated that the prosecution by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis should be transferred. Charged with two counts, Clark is part of a comprehensive racketeering case involving an alleged effort to influence the outcome of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.

Orchestrated Efforts to Undermine Fair Elections

Former White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows' bid to shift his trial to a federal venue was also rejected by Judge Jones. Presented as a coordinator between Trump and others to strategize all election related issues and to disrupt a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, 2021, he was charged with two counts. Meadows is currently appealing Jones' decision. This marks further judicial pushback against organized efforts to undermine fair elections.

Trump Investigations Continue Amid Plea Deals & More

The case continues to unfold with a RICO defendant associated with Trump's election case in Georgia being the first to accept a plea deal. Ex-DOJ official Jeffrey Clark's request to move his 2020 election case was also denied. Trump's controversial claim about the value of Mar-a-Lago has drawn attention while adverse rulings could spell doom for his New York business empire. More developments in the cases are anticipated in the coming months.

Published on September 29, 2023 | 6:12 PM

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