In a significant development in the ongoing investigations into the 2020 presidential election, Jenna Ellis, a former attorney for Donald Trump, has agreed to cooperate with prosecutors in Arizona's fake electors case. Ellis is the first of 18 defendants to reach a cooperation agreement with the Arizona Attorney General's Office, potentially providing crucial testimony against her co-defendants.
Ellis has agreed to "provide truthful information" and "testify completely and truthfully" in exchange for the dismissal of nine felony counts against her, according to the terms of her agreement. This move follows her similar plea deal in Georgia's case against the state's fake Trump electors, further aligning her with state prosecutors.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes emphasized the importance of Ellis' cooperation, stating, "This agreement represents a significant step forward in our case. I am grateful to Ms. Ellis for her cooperation with our investigation and prosecution. Her insights are invaluable and will greatly aid the State in proving its case in court."
The grand jury indictment in Arizona named 11 electors who cast false votes for Trump, despite President Joe Biden's victory in the state, along with seven other individuals involved in the alleged scheme. All defendants have pleaded not guilty, but Ellis' cooperation could mark a turning point in the prosecution's efforts to hold those involved accountable.
Background and Context
The case in Arizona is part of a broader effort by state and federal authorities to address alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. The Arizona Attorney General's Office described the plot as a scheme "to prevent the lawful transfer of the presidency" and maintain Trump in office "against the will of Arizona's voters."
The indictment alleges that Ellis made false claims of election fraud in Arizona and encouraged state lawmakers to alter the election outcome. Charges against the defendants include conspiracy, forgery, and fraudulent schemes and artifices.
Legal Implications
Ellis' agreement to cooperate is seen as a "big deal" by legal experts. Joyce Vance, a former federal prosecutor, noted in her legal blog Civil Discourse that the cooperation agreement "has the potential to be a big deal." Unlike her plea deal in Georgia, which did not require cooperation, Ellis' agreement in Arizona necessitates her full cooperation with federal or state charges in the case.
"A defendant who enters into a cooperation deal like this makes themself very vulnerable," Vance wrote. "The decision about whether a defendant has failed to uphold their end of the bargain is left to the 'sole discretion' of prosecutors." If prosecutors believe Ellis has not fulfilled her obligations, she could face recharged original counts and potentially new charges.
Broader Investigations
Arizona is not the only state pursuing legal action against alleged false electors. Prosecutors in Georgia, Michigan, and Nevada have also filed charges related to similar schemes. Special counsel Jack Smith has brought charges against Trump over his alleged efforts to overturn his loss in the 2020 election.
In Nevada, a judge dismissed the case citing jurisdictional issues, a decision that the state's Democratic attorney general has appealed. These cases represent a concerted effort by state and federal authorities to address alleged election fraud and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
Political Reactions
Reactions to Ellis' cooperation have been mixed. Arizona Attorney General Mayes and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland have hailed the development as a significant step toward justice. "This victory against Google is a historic win for the American people," Garland said. "No company-no matter how large or influential-is above the law."
On the other side, Trump supporters have criticized the charges and the investigation. Kurt Altman, attorney for defendant Michael Roman, Trump's Election Day operations director for the 2020 campaign, expressed skepticism. "It appears that if the AG is willing to completely drop all charges for information from Ms. Ellis, those charges should not have been filed in the first place," Altman told Axios.
