In DC Insurrection Oath Keeper Case Judge Mehta Slams DOJ For 60 Minutes Interview
Several defense lawyers said they had been contacted by 60 Minutes; one apologized for "responding to what Mr. Sherwin said."
By Matthew Russell Lee, PatreonPodcast
BBC - Guardian UK - Honduras - ESPN
FEDERAL COURT, March 23– During closing arguments of the impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate, alleged insurrectionist Thomas Edward Caldwell was ordered detained until trial by District Judge Amit P. Mehta. Inner City Press live tweeted it, here and below. (US v. Caldwell affidavit on Patreon here).
On February 26 Jessica Watkins, who as a founder of a small Ohio militia was present at the Capitol on January 6, was ordered detained pending trial. Inner City Press live tweeted it here and below (Podcast here)
Now on March 23 in the wider Oath Keepers' case, Judge Mehta convened the prosecutors and defense lawyers about prejudicial publicity. Inner City Press live tweeted it, here:
OK - #insurrectionBlues showdown, DDC Judge Amit Mehta has convened the lawyers in the Oath Keepers case - he begins with 60 Minutes interview.
Judge Mehta: I hope DOJ is looking into the propriety of the 60 Minutes interview... No matter how much press this case gets, the defendants are entitled to a fair process. These statements could impact the jury pool. The government should know better.
Judge Mehta: Read local criminal rule 57.7, which governs public comments on pending criminal cases. I intend to vigorously enforce it. DOJ needs to understand these statements can impact the rights of defendants. I will not tolerate this.
Judge Mehta: What steps has DOJ taken?
AUSA: With respect to the 60 Minutes interview, the rules were not complied with. It has been referred to the DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility. There's nothing more I can say about that.
Defense lawyer 1: We'll file a motion if & when necessary.
Defense lawyer 2: I didn't see the interview.
Defense lawyer 3: My client is concerned, as we argued challenging detention, there were inaccurate statements.
Defense lawyer 5: I was contacted by 60 Minutes
Defense lawyer: I apologize I had to respond to what Mr. Sherwin said.
Judge Mehta: I think your response was fine. But we want to avoid this going forward. We are adjourned.
From the calendar:
21-cr-0028: USA v. WATKINSJudge Amit P. Mehta04:30PMTelephonic/VTCStatus Conference21-cr-0028: USA v. CROWLJudge Amit P. Mehta04:30PMTelephonic/VTCStatus Conference21-cr-0028: USA v. CALDWELLJudge Amit P. Mehta04:30PMTelephonic/VTCStatus Conference21-cr-0028: USA v. PARKERJudge Amit P. Mehta04:30PMTelephonic/VTCStatus Conference21-cr-0028: USA v. PARKERJudge Amit P. Mehta04:30PMTelephonic/VTCStatus Conference21-cr-0028: USA v. YOUNGJudge Amit P. Mehta04:30PMTelephonic/VTCStatus Conference21-cr-0028: USA v. MEGGSJudge Amit P. Mehta04:30PMTelephonic/VTCStatus Conference21-cr-0028: USA v. MEGGSJudge Amit P. Mehta04:30PMTelephonic/VTCStatus Conference21-cr-0028: USA v. STEELEJudge Amit P. Mehta04:30PMTelephonic/VTCStatus Conference21-cr-0028: USA v. HARRELSONJudge Amit P. Mehta04:30PMTelephonic/VTCStatus Conference
We'll have more on this.
Inner City Press live tweeted Riley June Williams on January 25, here.
InnerCityPress · Jeffrey Sabol, insurrection Blues III, by Matthew Russell Lee
From January 22, song here: Thread here.
InnerCityPress · Insurrection Blues, by Matthew Russell Lee
Inner City Press' John Earle Sullivan song on SoundCloud here.
InnerCityPress · John Sullivan Insurrection Blues II by Matthew Russell Lee
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