Former Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis has reached a cooperation agreement with Arizona prosecutors in exchange for charges being dropped in a fake electors case. Ellis, who previously pleaded not guilty to fraud, forgery, and conspiracy charges, will assist the state in proving its case. The charges stemmed from a December 2020 incident where Ellis, Giuliani, and others made false claims of election fraud in Arizona and other states. Ellis had pleaded guilty in Georgia to a felony count of aiding and abetting false statements and writings in October.
The agreement requires Ellis to provide truthful information and testify honestly in any state or federal court proceedings. Prosecutors have already asked for the charges against Ellis to be dismissed, but it is unclear if a judge has approved the request. Cooperation agreements like the one signed by Ellis are common in Arizona courts, as they allow insiders to fill in the blanks in criminal cases.
While Trump was not charged in the Arizona case, eleven Republicans and five lawyers connected to him, including Ellis and Giuliani, were implicated in the scheme involving fake electors. The case also involved allegations of encouraging the Arizona Legislature to change the election outcome and urging Vice President Mike Pence to accept fake elector votes. Ellis is also barred from practicing law in Colorado for three years.
Prosecutors in Michigan, Nevada, Georgia, and Wisconsin have also filed criminal charges related to the fake electors scheme. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes praised Ellis’ cooperation, stating that it is a win for the rule of law and democracy. Ellis’ attorney, Matthew Brown, did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the announcement of the agreement.
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