In a significant development in former President Donald Trump’s Georgia election interference case, Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee declined to revoke the bond of Harrison Floyd, one of the co-defendants.
This decision came despite District Attorney Fani Willis’ direct plea for Floyd’s immediate incarceration due to violations of bond conditions.
Judge McAfee maintains Floyd’s bond despite witness tagging
Judge McAfee acknowledged that Floyd had breached his bond terms “in several instances” by tagging witnesses in his tweets.
However, he determined that “not every violation compels revocation” of the bond. Instead, the judge proposed modifying the bond to forbid public comments about witnesses.
Floyd, Trump plead not guilty in Georgia case hearing
This hearing was notable as it was the first time Willis personally presented arguments in this case.
Floyd, Trump, and 17 other defendants have all entered not-guilty pleas to charges in a sweeping racketeering indictment related to alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia.
Defendants in Trump Georgia case released on bond, some take plea deals
All defendants were released on bond, with some, including Kenneth Chesebro, Sidney Powell, Jena Ellis, and Scott Hall, taking plea deals in exchange for agreeing to testify against others.
Willis argued forcefully against Floyd’s actions, describing his tweets as “disgusting” and violating his bond order.
DA Willis urges protection for witnesses, seeks Floyd’s remand
She highlighted that the bond conditions explicitly prohibit intimidation of any co-defendant or witness and forbid communication about the case’s facts with witnesses or defendants.
Willis stressed the importance of protecting witnesses from pressure, pushing for Floyd’s immediate remand.
Floyd’s attorney counters Willis, pledges client’s compliance
Floyd’s attorney countered Willis’ argument, asserting that his client would comply with any directive from the judge to “tone it down.”
He argued that Floyd’s posts did not constitute threats or intimidation as defined under Georgia law.
Detailed review of Floyd’s tweets at hearing, key witnesses mentioned
The hearing featured a thorough examination of Floyd’s tweets, with one of Willis’ chief investigators reading them aloud, including Floyd’s mentions of witnesses such as Jena Ellis, Brad Raffensperger, Gabriel Sterling, and Ruby Freeman.
Floyd’s posts included statements like “WE WANT THE TRUTH !!!!!!” calling for accountability and unsealing ballots.
Willis’ investigation triggered by Trump’s phone call
Willis’ investigation was partly triggered by Trump’s phone call on January 3, 2021, to Raffensperger, where he requested finding votes to overturn the election result in Georgia.
Witness Sterling testified about his reactions to Floyd’s posts, acknowledging their unpleasant nature but not perceiving them as threatening.
Floyd’s legal defense and surrender circumstances
Floyd’s attorney maintained that none of the posts contained direct threats of violence.
Floyd, who pleaded not guilty to three counts, including influencing witnesses, was the only defendant to surrender without prearranged bond conditions.
Bond release and implications in high-stakes case
Initially denied bond due to pending charges in another case, he was released on a $100,000 bond with specific provisions regarding witnesses and co-defendants.
This case continues to unfold amid intense scrutiny, with its outcomes potentially having significant implications for all involved, particularly in the context of the broader investigation into the 2020 election’s aftermath.
