October 23, 2023
Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2023 11:27 pm
Mark that date on your calendars. That's when the first Georgia case against one of the Trump 19 begins. Kenneth Chesebro, an attorney who's the mastermind behind the fake elector scheme, requested a speedy trial. He's also Co-conspirator Number 5 in Trump's federal indictment. Under Georgia law, Chesebro's trial has to begin before the end of the upcoming court term, which is November 3. So, Fani Willis moved for the October 23 date and the judge granted it. Willis wanted the other cases to start on that date as well, but the judge refused. So, unless someone else makes a similar motion, the trial will proceed against Chesebro alone.
Chesebro is charged with eight counts relating to the fake elector scheme, and Trump, Giuliani, Eastman and others are charged along with him on those counts. In one way, this early trial is good for Trump and the others since they will have a chance to see how Willis proceeds and what witnesses she calls. Also, since those same witnesses will probably testify against Trump, his attorneys can use any inconsistencies in their testimony to attack their credibility. And if Chesebro is somehow acquitted on some or all of the charges against him, that's more ammunition for Trump to claim "witch hunt." On the other hand, a televised trial in which Trump's name comes up a lot that results in a conviction of Chesebro won't help Trump's credibility.
Chesebro is charged with eight counts relating to the fake elector scheme, and Trump, Giuliani, Eastman and others are charged along with him on those counts. In one way, this early trial is good for Trump and the others since they will have a chance to see how Willis proceeds and what witnesses she calls. Also, since those same witnesses will probably testify against Trump, his attorneys can use any inconsistencies in their testimony to attack their credibility. And if Chesebro is somehow acquitted on some or all of the charges against him, that's more ammunition for Trump to claim "witch hunt." On the other hand, a televised trial in which Trump's name comes up a lot that results in a conviction of Chesebro won't help Trump's credibility.