Trump co-defendant Walt Nauta’s lawyer may have conflict of interest, prosecutors say
Federal prosecutors have asked the judge overseeing the prosecution of Donald Trump, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira in the Southern District of Florida to hold a hearing that could result in Mr Nauta seeking new legal representation in the case against him. Special Counsel Jack Smith’s office on Wednesday filed a motion asking Judge Aileen Cannon to schedule what is known as a “Garcia Hearing,” at which Mr Nauta would be informed that he has the right to be represented by a lawyer who does not represent any other party in the case against him. The proceeding takes its’ name from a 1975 court case, United States v. Garcia, in which an appeals court found that a defendant could use an attorney with a conflict of interest if they were properly informed as to the risks in doing so. Prosecutors said they were asking for the hearing because Mr Nauta’s attorney, Stanley Woodward, has represented or is currently representing three other people who may be called to testify against the longtime Trump aide and his co-defendants when the case against them goes to trial in May 2024. They explained that the hearing is needed because “ an attorney who cross-examines a former or present client inherently encounters divided loyalties,” and suggested that Judge Cannon could “procure” an independent attorney to be present at the hearing to advise Mr Nauta should he wish to speak with them. The special counsel’s office said Mr Woodward, who is paid by Mr Trump’s Save America Political Action Committee, represents seven persons who have been questioned during the government’s probe into the ex-president’s alleged mishandling of classified information. Specifically, they said the individuals include the Mar-a-Lago IT director referenced in the indictment of Mr Trump, Mr Nauta and Mr De Oliveira as “Trump Employee 4” as well as two other Trump aides who worked for the ex-president “during his presidency and afterwards”. Prosecutors also noted that they had previously told Mr Woodward in February and March of this year that his representation of the IT supervisor constituted a conflict because the employee would give evidence that was damaging to Mr Trump and Mr Nauta. The IT worker subsequently obtained a different attorney in early July, just a few weeks before the government obtained a superseding indictment of the ex-president and Mr Nauta and added Mr De Oliveira as a defendant in the case using the worker’s testimony. Continuing, they said Mr Woodward’s representation of the potential witnesses raises a conflict of interest because it “may result in the attorney’s improper use or disclosure of the client’s confidences during the cross-examination” or result in the attorney “pulling his punches” during cross-examination of the witnesses to protect the client or his own personal interests. “Where, as here, a potential conflict arises from an attorney’s simultaneous or successive representation of a defendant and a potential witness, a Garcia hearing is warranted. Nauta should be thoroughly advised of the potential conflicts and attendant risks,” they said. Prosecutors added that the two witnesses other than the Mar-a-Lago IT worker should also attend the hearing so they can be advised of the risks of having Mr Woodward as an attorney. A response to the government motion by Mr Nauta’s legal team is due on 16 August. Read More Trump has now been indicted for a 3rd time. Here's where all the investigations stand Mar-a-Lago property manager is the latest in line of Trump staffers ensnared in legal turmoil Mar-a-Lago worker charged in Trump's classified documents case to make first court appearance
1970-01-01 08:00
Why the Cardinals didn't trade Willson Contreras and Dylan Carlson, explained
The St. Louis Cardinals made plenty of trades, but several players were left on the roster, such as Willson Contreras and Dylan Carlson.Willson Contreras was signed to a four-year contract this past offseason. In many ways, trading him this soon would have signaled the front office admitting a m...
1970-01-01 08:00
Harry and Meghan ring young online innovators after funding awards
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have called young innovators and campaigners to congratulate them on being awarded a share of a multimillion-dollar prize to boost their efforts. Harry and Meghan rang some of the 26 recipients who will receive the financial award from the Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund – and joked that their children were “incredibly grateful”. The couple’s Archewell Foundation is a founding member of the initiative which has a number of aims including shaping the “tech ecosystem to safeguard human rights” and “mitigating the harmful impacts of technology in communities”. Holding a mobile between himself and Meghan, Harry said to one winner: “Thank you for doing everything that you do. Our kids especially are incredibly grateful.” The Sussexes have a son Archie and a daughter Lilibet, and Megan added: “They don’t know it yet – but they will.” The fund raised 2 million US dollars (£1.6m) from backers and awarded amounts ranging from 25,000 dollars (£19,700) to 200,000 dollars (£157,000) — based on the stage of the organisation and funding needs. The recipients will work on a range of innovative projects, including responsible use of artificial intelligence; improving education access; leveraging platforms to address social and environmental challenges and promoting the safety and well-being of online communities. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
1970-01-01 08:00
How Henrietta Lacks Became the Mother of Modern Medicine
Though she died of cancer in 1951, Henrietta Lacks's immortal cells became the foundation for countless medical advancements.
1970-01-01 08:00
Tottenham continue talks with Atletico Madrid over Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg sale
Tottenham Hotspur are looking to finalise the sale of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to Atletico Madrid, who are looking to pay £30m for the midfielder.
1970-01-01 08:00
His 2024 Campaign Struggling, DeSantis Faces Donors Holding Back Cash
Ron DeSantis, under pressure to raise more money for his struggling presidential bid, is facing donors who are
1970-01-01 08:00
Analysis: Trump's indictment is a stress test of Biden's focus on safeguarding democracy
The indictment of Donald Trump for trying to overturn his 2020 loss is a new front in what President Joe Biden has described as the battle for American democracy
1970-01-01 08:00
'Unique' Paddington wins fourth successive Group One
Irish super horse Paddington powered through the rain to win the Sussex Stakes at 'Glorious Goodwood' on Wednesday to record his...
1970-01-01 08:00
WWE's McMahon served with subpoena by federal agents
Federal law enforcement agents executed a search warrant and served a federal grand jury subpoena to WWE Executive Chairman Vince McMahon last month, according to a regulatory filing
1970-01-01 08:00
Republican National Committee boosts polling and fundraising thresholds to qualify for 2nd debate
Some Republican presidential candidates haven’t met polling and fundraising thresholds for the first 2024 debate, and now requirements for making it to the second debate will be even higher
1970-01-01 08:00
MLB Rumors: 3 Braves who won't be on the roster by Sept. 1
As the dust settles after the MLB trade deadline, the Atlanta Braves have some tough decisions to make. Their roster is about to change for the better.Atlanta made some small, yet notable changes at the trade deadline, such as acquiring Nicky Lopez, Pierce Johnson and Brad Hand. None will single...
1970-01-01 08:00
Georgia country profile
Provides an overview of Georgia, including key events and facts about this country in the Caucasus.
1970-01-01 08:00
