Judge Denies Motions to Dismiss Charges Against Trump Aides in Classified Documents Case

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon has denied motions by two of former President Donald Trump's co-defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, to dismiss charges against them in the classified documents case. Nauta's lawyers had asked for five charges against him to be dismissed, while De Oliveira's lawyers requested that all charges against him be dropped.

Judge Cannon ruled that the indictment provides sufficient information for trial preparation and that the defendants can challenge the prosecutors' evidence during the trial. She addressed the arguments made in the motions, noting that many of them were better suited for trial. The judge found that the indictment satisfies the minimum pleading standards and provides enough details for the defendants to prepare a defense.

Nauta, Trump's personal valet, is accused of defying a federal subpoena by helping his boss conceal classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. De Oliveira, the property manager at Mar-a-Lago, is accused of conspiring with Trump and Nauta to pressure an IT manager to delete incriminating security footage at the resort.

The defense lawyers had argued that the obstruction charges should be dismissed because the indictment did not provide clear evidence that Nauta and De Oliveira were aware of an ongoing investigation or knew the boxes contained classified materials. However, Judge Cannon stated that any arguments about their lack of knowledge could be used as a defense at trial, but not as a basis to dismiss the case, co.

Why this matters: The ruling by Judge Cannon is a significant setback for Trump's co-defendants in the classified documents case. It paves the way for the trial to proceed and puts pressure on Nauta and De Oliveira to consider potential plea deals with prosecutors.

Trump and his employees have pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include 32 alleged violations of the Espionage Act for hoarding classified documents from the White House. A trial date has not yet been scheduled. Special Counsel Jack Smith's team alleges that Nauta and De Oliveira misled investigators and plotted to delete security footage to prevent officials from retrieving the boxes from Mar-a-Lago.

Key Takeaways

• Judge Cannon denies motions to dismiss charges against Trump co-defendants Nauta and De Oliveira.
• Nauta accused of defying subpoena to conceal classified docs, De Oliveira of conspiring to delete footage.
• Judge rules indictment provides sufficient info for trial, defendants can challenge evidence at trial.
• Ruling setback for Trump co-defendants, paves way for trial and potential plea deals.
• Trump and employees plead not guilty to 32 Espionage Act violations for hoarding classified docs.