Mark Meadows’ push to move his Arizona fake elector charges to federal court has been denied, setting the stage for a local legal battle.
At a Glance
- Judge rejected Mark Meadows’ attempt to move his Arizona charges to federal court.
- U.S. District Judge John Tuchi cited a missed deadline and insufficient evidence.
- Meadows faces similar charges in Georgia and has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
- Case will proceed in Maricopa County Superior Court.
Court Ruling Against Meadows
Former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows was denied his bid to transfer charges related to Arizona’s fake elector case to federal court. U.S. District Judge John Tuchi ruled that Meadows missed the filing deadline and failed to show sufficient evidence that his actions were within his official duties. Meadows is accused of participating in efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Meadows has pleaded not guilty and has already faced similar charges in Georgia, where he has filed an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Prosecutors allege Meadows collaborated with Trump campaign members to submit fake electors to Congress.
A judge has rejected a bid by Mark Meadows, former chief of staff to President Donald Trump, to move his charges in Arizona’s fake elector case to federal court, marking the second time he has failed in trying to get his charges out of state court. https://t.co/oE6CE5awsD
— FOX 10 Phoenix (@FOX10Phoenix) September 17, 2024
Legal and Procedural Errors
Judge Tuchi emphasized that Meadows not only missed the deadline for filing the move to federal court but also lacked compelling evidence that his actions were part of his duties as Chief of Staff. The state charges, according to the judge, were unrelated to Meadows’ official government role.
“Instead, the State has indicted Mr. Meadows for allegedly orchestrating and participating in an illegal electioneering scheme,” the judge wrote.
The ruling prevents Meadows from seeking immunity as a federal officer and keeps the case in state court. The indictment claims Meadows knew Trump lost the election but still worked to overturn the results.
Meadows and Other Defendants
Meadows, along with 17 other Republicans, were indicted by an Arizona state grand jury for purportedly attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. The defendants, including Rudy Giuliani, each face nine felony counts such as conspiracy, forgery, and fraudulent schemes.
“Meadows faces charges in Arizona and Georgia for his alleged involvement in a scheme to overturn the 2020 election results.”
Mark Meadows now has to navigate a legal landscape in both Arizona and Georgia. His denial to move these cases to federal court could indicate potential legal challenges ahead for the Trump campaign team.
