,
6 tweets,
2 min read
Read on Twitter
1. Yesterday’s Stone hearing was a disappointment. But, there is some positive. The first part of the hearing involved a defense motion to suppress evidence that was recovered as a result of 17 search warrants that were executed on Stone’s properties, computers, phones, etc. ...
2. The defense argued that the warrants were illegal, claiming that the FBI agents lied in their affidavits (factual statement setting out the evidence establishing probable cause to search Stone’s stuff) that they presented to the judge to obtain the search warrants ...
3. Crim Law 101 - if an agent intentionally or recklessly puts false information in an application for a search warrant then the evidence seized pursuant to that warrant can’t be used as evidence at trial. This is called a Franks motion. What was the lie alleged by Stone?
4. That Russia hacked the DNC then gave the emails to Wikileaks to disseminate. The problem with the defense argument is that they had zero evidence that these statements were false. The judge pushed Stone’s attorneys to provide a single scrap of evidence supporting their claim.
5. They had zip, zero, zilch, a great big goose egg . . . The judge took the issue under advisement and indicated she would rule in due course. Give her statements during yesterday’s court hearing, she undoubtedly will deny Stone’s motion and rule that the evidence is admissible.
6. I disagree w/her decision to give Stone another bite at the order-violating apple. He didn’t deserve that leniency, IMO. BUT, I still believe to my core that the state of our judiciary remains strong & will be the branch of government that remains faithful to the rule of law.
