As we await possible indictments against Donald Trump in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents investigation, which could happen any day, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has reportedly expanded her investigation into election interference to include suspicious activity to investigate outside of their state. That could paint a fuller picture of Trump-backed 2020 election meddling in every Georgia process.
The Washington Post reported Friday that Willis’s investigation “has been expanded to include activities in Washington, DC and several other states, according to two people with knowledge of the investigation — a fresh sign that prosecutors may have a wide-ranging trial under Georgia’s crime laws.” build up.” .”
The report, which has yet to be independently verified by NBC News, added:
For the past few days, Willis has been searching for information related to the Trump campaign, hiring two firms to uncover voter fraud across the United States, and then burying their findings when they couldn’t find them, allegations that cross Georgia’s borders reach out, said the two people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to speak openly about the investigation. At least one of the companies has been subpoenaed by Fulton County investigators.
As a Georgia prosecutor, why would Willis want to collect evidence of shady electoral activity outside of her state? The reason is as simple as it is powerful: a pattern of alleged wrongdoing is compelling evidence for a jury. It’s harder to dismiss suspected criminal activity as an isolated incident. There is context. It tells the story.
And that pattern of behavior could lead to a full racketeering charge, The Washington Post reported, helping Willis paint that broader picture to a jury. The evidence that judges present to the jury depends on its relevance to the alleged crimes. Broader charges can therefore lead to broader evidence. (Trump has denied any wrongdoing.)
Even if Willis decides to present a narrower case related to election interference, she still wants to present as much supporting evidence as possible. Whether or not there are racketeering charges, obtaining evidence of a broader pattern can be important.
As for the timing of such an indictment, recall that a letter from Willis to local law enforcement suggested a summer schedule — July 11 through September 1, specifically. There’s reason to believe her indictment announcement could land right in the middle, in August.
Meanwhile, Trump, already indicted in a New York state court over his hush money case, could next face indictment in his classified documents case, one of two Justice Department investigations overseen by Special Counsel Jack Smith. The other state investigation relates to Jan. 6 and Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, and overlaps somewhat with Willis’ investigation.
So the supposedly expanded investigation into Georgia isn’t what the former president and current presidential candidate wants to hear, it’s just part of his busy legal record.
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