Pro-Trump fake electors in Arizona have pleaded the Fifth before grand jury

[RandySF]

Arizona Republicans who falsely posed as electors for Donald Trump in 2020 have appeared before a grand jury in recent days and invoked their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, as state prosecutors near a decision on potential criminal charges against those who helped Trump try to overturn his loss in the state.

The prosecutors’ decision to require these people to appear in person is the latest escalation of the long-running probe by the state’s attorney general, Kris Mayes, into election interference by Trump allies. The tactic is also highly unusual and risks biasing the grand jury against key targets of the probe, according to independent legal experts who have worked as both prosecutors and defense lawyers.

If the grand jury charges them, it could even provide a longshot basis for the targets to challenge the indictment.

“My view is that the better practice is not to call people before the grand jury who you know are going to invoke the Fifth Amendment,” said Paul Charlton, a former Arizona assistant attorney general. “Why? Because all that does is unnecessarily prejudice the grand jury.”



https://www.politico.com/news/2024/03/28/arizona-fake-electors-grand-jury-plead-fifth-00149605

[lindysalsagal]

1. AZ is so messed up. I hope this doesn't backfire.

[Emile]

2. Sounds like they are guilty to me.

[FormerOstrich]

3. I don't understand the issue, as described in the article

I have been very impatient about charging the fake electors. Many have remained in offices and spout nonsense all the time.

Do the people quoted in the article think the state legislatures are taking ordinary steps as they have now targeted Mayes? Maybe she is taking different paths because things aren't round-the-mill anymore. She is being targeted....

Arizona House Republicans have a new mark in the executive branch: Attorney General Kris Mayes, who they say has engaged in a pattern of malfeasance and abuse of her office.

The committee will develop recommendations for legislative action and "other measures to promote the rule of law and deter partisan abuse and weaponization" of the Attorney General's Office.

Last month, Sen. Anthony Kern, R-Glendale, won support from fellow Republicans on the Judiciary Committee he leads to open an investigation of Mayes. Kern cited Mayes' decision not to defend a 2022 law that stopped transgender girls from playing school sports.

https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/legislature/2024/03/27/kris-mayes-arizona-house-gop-oversight-committee-a-political-stunt/73111689007/

Kern also says his being investigated as a fake elector has nothing to do with forming the committee to go after her.

[Irish_Dem]

4. If you're innocent, tell the truth to clear your name.

Pleading the 5th is what guilty people do.

[republianmushroom]

5. trump has pleaded the fifth more than a few time, himself.