Disgraced attorney John Eastman, a key figure in Donald Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election, surrendered to Georgia authorities on Tuesday after being indicted by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. Eastman, who is among the 18 co-defendants named in the 98-page indictment issued by Willis last week, is facing nine charges, including a violation of Georgia’s RICO Act.
In a statement, Eastman expressed that he was surrendering to an indictment that he believes should never have been brought forth. He argued that the indictment infringes upon the fundamental First Amendment right to petition the government for addressing grievances, characterizing it as a significant moment for the country. Eastman maintained that he and the others facing charges will ultimately be proven innocent.
Before Eastman’s surrender, Judge Yvette Roland, who is overseeing a separate disbarment trial involving Eastman in California, announced a delay in the trial to allow Eastman to surrender in Georgia. This decision came after communication exchanges between the involved parties, with the judge accommodating Eastman’s surrender.
“Based on the recent email exchanges between and with the parties, the court is willing to make certain changes in this week’s trial schedule in order to accommodate Dr. Eastman’s surrender in Fulton County, Georgia, which the court understands will take place on Wednesday, August 23rd,” Judge Yvette Roland wrote, according to CNN.
Eastman’s bail was set at $100,000, and he is bound by an agreement that prevents him from intimidating co-defendants or witnesses related to the case.
The indictment alleges that on January 4, shortly before the Capitol riot, Eastman and Trump suggested unlawful actions to then-Vice President Mike Pence, aiming to delay or reject the certification of certain states’ electoral votes. Despite being aware of the legal violations involved, they pursued these options.
Eastman’s lawyer, Harvey Silverglate, dismissed the charges as politically motivated, emphasizing the potential implications for legal advocacy. Silverglate indicated that Eastman would challenge the indictment using all available legal avenues.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump announced his intention to surrender to the Fulton County Jail on Thursday. His bail agreement mandates a payment of $200,000 and includes provisions to prevent witness intimidation through social media.
In addition to the Georgia case, Eastman has been identified as Co-Conspirator 2 in the January 6th indictment led by special counsel Jack Smith against Trump. Eastman is accused of urging then-Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bowers to reject Joe Biden’s victory in the state, among other allegations.
