POLITICS
Leading attorney Sidney Powell, known for her involvement in former President Donald Trump’s legal team, pleaded not guilty on Tuesday in the Georgia election interference case. Alongside Powell, Trevian Kutti, the former publicist for artist Ye (formerly known as Kanye West), also entered a not guilty plea. Both defendants waived formal arraignment proceedings.
Powell faces charges of racketeering, conspiracy to commit election fraud, conspiracy to commit computer theft, trespass and invasion of privacy, as well as conspiracy to defraud the state. These charges are related to allegations of attempting to improperly access voting machines in Coffee County, Georgia. Kutti, on the other hand, is charged with racketeering and conspiracy for her alleged involvement in pressuring Ruby Freeman, an election worker falsely accused of fraud, to make false statements.
The pleas from Powell and Kutti come after Ray Smith, an attorney who represented Trump in Georgia cases, pleaded not guilty to his charges on Monday. Smith, Powell, Kutti, and 16 other defendants are set to be arraigned on September 6.
Former President Trump, one of the defendants in the case, has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has labeled the investigation politically motivated. However, Kenneth Chesebro, another defendant, is scheduled to go to trial on October 23, as the judge granted his request for a speedy trial.
In a separate court filing, the district attorney’s office requested clarity from the judge regarding the order allowing Chesebro’s speedy trial and whether it indicates a case severance. The state maintains the position that all defendants should be tried together, though it suggests setting Powell’s trial and that of any other defendant who may request a speedy trial on the same date as Chesebro’s.
While the trial dates and proceedings continue to unfold, it remains to be seen how these legal battles will impact the ongoing investigation into the Georgia election and the individuals involved.
