State Grand Jury indicts 18 in relation to election interference

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced the Arizona Grand Jury issued 9-count indictments to 11 out of the 18 individuals involved in the 2020 election interference case.

Former U.S Assistant Attorney Roy Herrera sat down with Ted Simons to break down what the indictments are.

The indictments are directed at Republican electors and supporters of Donald Trump who allegedly sought to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. The charges include conspiracy, fraud, and forgery. The 11 indicted were charged because they allegedly impersonated presidential electors to have their votes counted, Herrera said.

Although it is not confirmed what will happen next, Herrera believes the seven unindicted co-conspirators could try to negotiate or testify against the other indictees.

According to the Attorney General, the indictments reflect the state’s commitment to upholding the integrity of elections and ensuring that the voices of Arizona voters are duly recognized. The accused individuals are facing serious charges for their alleged attempts to subvert the electoral process.

One key aspect of the defense strategy may involve asserting ignorance or reliance on legal advice, suggesting that the defendants were unaware of the illegality of their actions or were misled by others.

However, legal experts note that proving such claims could be challenging given the documented interactions and decisions leading up to the alleged conspiracy.

Critics have accused the Attorney General of weaponizing the criminal justice system for political ends. However, supporters argue that the indictments are a necessary step in safeguarding democratic principles and holding individuals accountable for any attempts to undermine the electoral process.