The Fake Electors Scandal: New Developments and Revelations

In April, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes made significant progress in the ongoing fake electors scandal, indicting 18 individuals, including 11 fake electors and seven Donald Trump aides. This development set the stage for further advancements in the case, which have taken unexpected turns in recent months.

Jenna Ellis’s Cooperation

One notable development came with the revelation that former Trump attorney Jenna Ellis had flipped and signed a cooperation agreement with prosecutors. In exchange, pending criminal charges against her were dropped. This move benefited both Ellis, who avoided potential imprisonment, and prosecutors, who gained valuable insights into the underlying scheme.

Lorraine Pellegrino’s Guilty Plea

Subsequent to Ellis’s cooperation, Lorraine Pellegrino, one of the 11 false electors in Arizona, pleaded guilty to a charge of filing a “false instrument” for signing the fraudulent Electoral College certificate. This marked the first instance of a fake elector accepting criminal responsibility for their actions.

Arizona Grand Jury’s Interest in Trump

A particularly significant revelation emerged from the ongoing investigation: the Washington Post reported that an Arizona grand jury had expressed interest in possible charges against Donald Trump for his role in the electoral scheme. This was prompted by a PowerPoint presentation given by the lead prosecutor, requesting the jury to not indict Trump. If accurate, this would add a fifth criminal indictment to the former president’s legal troubles.

Grand Jury’s Assertiveness

Prior to the indictments, Politico had reported that the Arizona grand jury was unusually aggressive, pushing for a broader investigation than initially planned by prosecutors. This resulted in the indictment of Jenna Ellis and Christina Bobb, despite initial reluctance from prosecutors.

Implications and Outlook

These developments in the fake electors scandal have raised eyebrows and point to the potential for further legal action. The cooperation of witnesses like Jenna Ellis could provide prosecutors with crucial information. The Arizona grand jury’s interest in Trump’s involvement underscores the seriousness of the investigation.

As the case progresses, it remains to be seen how far the investigation will reach and what the ultimate consequences may be for those involved.