Former President Trump’s former lawyer John Eastman pleaded not guilty Friday in Phoenix to charges related to an alleged conspiracy to overturn Arizona’s 2020 presidential election results.
Eastman was among a group of Trump allies indicted in Arizona in late April on charges of attempting to block a lawful transfer of power. They were indicted along with 11 other pro-Trump Arizona Republicans who signed a document claiming they were the state’s valid 2020 electors.
Prosecutors accused the defendants of conspiring to fraudulently try to force election officials to overturn Biden’s narrow victory.
After a brief hearing in Phoenix, Eastman said, “Of course I plead not guilty.” CNN reported.
“I am confident that if the law is faithfully applied, we will be acquitted at the end of this process,” he said.
He was released from custody without conditions, the newspaper said.
Other Trump allies have also been indicted, including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former White House chief of staff Mark Meadow.
Officials told CNN that each defendant will be fingerprinted and have their face photographed during processing.
Eastman is accused of plotting to overturn the election by former Vice President Mike Pence and advising Trump to block Congress from certifying the results on January 6, 2021. Eastman denied any communication with so-called “fake voters.” Per Arizona Republic.
“I am not involved in any of the Arizona legislative hearing cases. We intend to proceed to trial, but I am confident that if the law is faithfully applied, I will be completely acquitted.” is said to have spoken.
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