Staff Reports
Several of Trump's associates turned themselves in to authorities in Georgia after the former president's high-profile surrender on Thursday evening. It was a surprise turn of events.
Several prominent individuals, including Jeffrey Clark, a former official for the US Justice Department, Michael Roman, a Republican strategist, Misty Hampton, an official for the 2020 presidential election, and Robert Cheeley, an attorney, turned themselves in on Friday. They were immediately released on bond after surrendering.
Remaining defendants, including Trevian Kutti and Stephen Lee, who used to be Kanye West's publicist, have not surrendered. Kutti and Lee are charged with multiple counts. They are accused of trying to influence witnesses, including Ruby Freeman, who worked for the election office.
Fani Willis, the district attorney for Fulton County, had set a Friday deadline for the suspects to turn themselves in. Many of them did so in the hours leading to the deadline.
Roman was one of the first individuals to surrender. He was released on a $50,000 bond after he was charged with multiple counts, including forgery and impersonation of a public officer. His alleged actions revolved around his involvement in organizing the electors in Georgia.
Another individual who was released on a signature bond is Shawn Still. He is facing multiple charges, including impersonation of a public officer. Thirteen of his alleged co-conspirators are also uncharged.
Jeffrey Clark, another defendant, was released on bond after he surrendered. He was charged with two counts of racketeering and attempted obstruction of justice. During his time with the Justice Department, Clark had issued a statement about the results of the presidential election in Georgia. According to the indictment, he made false statements.
Emily Hayes, also known as Misty Hampton, surrendered and posted a signature bond of $10,000. She is facing multiple charges. Some of these include conspiracy to commit fraud and unauthorized access to voter data. She is accused of taking a ballot machine and violating the state's election laws.
Robert Cheeley, another defendant, was released on bond after he surrendered. He was charged with ten counts, including lying and perjury. The indictment claims that he communicated with individuals who were working for the Trump campaign. The goal of the conspiracy, according to the indictment, was to undermine the upcoming presidential elections.
The trial for Kenneth Chesebro, one of the defendants, has been scheduled to start on November 3, 2023. His lawyer had requested for a fast trial, and Trump's legal team indicated that they would be filing to have his case dismissed from Chesebro's.
The case continues as more individuals are apprehended for their alleged participation in the illegal attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. It is still unclear how the case will unfold.
