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Good morning from New York.
A federal judge issues his ruling on Jeffrey Epstein’s bail application in court at 11:30 a.m. EDT.
Michael Cohen’s search warrant materials related to a closed campaign-finance probe to be unsealed at 11 a.m.
Covering both live for @CourthouseNews.
A federal judge issues his ruling on Jeffrey Epstein’s bail application in court at 11:30 a.m. EDT.
Michael Cohen’s search warrant materials related to a closed campaign-finance probe to be unsealed at 11 a.m.
Covering both live for @CourthouseNews.
@CourthouseNews You're going to want some background on where things stand in both cases. This story on Epstein's passport has been updated for yesterday's revelations.
courthousenews.com/epstein-memos-…
Here's my write-up of Judge Pauley's order to unseal campaign-finance info:
courthousenews.com/sunlight-comin…
courthousenews.com/epstein-memos-…
Here's my write-up of Judge Pauley's order to unseal campaign-finance info:
courthousenews.com/sunlight-comin…
@CourthouseNews Remember: The search warrant materials were initially unsealed in March--specifically, eight documents and 895 pages.
So, how can reporters sift through them within 30 minutes before other major breaking news?
Only small portions remain redacted, and those will be lifted.
So, how can reporters sift through them within 30 minutes before other major breaking news?
Only small portions remain redacted, and those will be lifted.
@CourthouseNews NEW: Jeffrey Epstein's attorneys respond to the government's letter about the stamps on his passport.
"Epstein was given the passport at issue by a friend," they claim, insisting he never used it for international travel. cc: @CourthouseNews
"Epstein was given the passport at issue by a friend," they claim, insisting he never used it for international travel. cc: @CourthouseNews
@CourthouseNews T-minus 30 minutes and counting until Michael Cohen search warrant materials hit the public record.
@CourthouseNews Big picture on Epstein story: This is a chart of prosecutions filed under the same statute.
As you see, new filings declined in recent years, and one ex-prosecutor told me that the weakening of T-visa program could jeopardize such cases.
ICYMI: courthousenews.com/prosecution-of…
As you see, new filings declined in recent years, and one ex-prosecutor told me that the weakening of T-visa program could jeopardize such cases.
ICYMI: courthousenews.com/prosecution-of…
@CourthouseNews Some perspective on the Michael Cohen materials:
In the first of eight documents alone, there is an entirely blacked out section titled "The Illegal Campaign Contribution Scheme."
It runs from the bottom of page 38 to the top of page 57.
That section was ordered unsealed.
In the first of eight documents alone, there is an entirely blacked out section titled "The Illegal Campaign Contribution Scheme."
It runs from the bottom of page 38 to the top of page 57.
That section was ordered unsealed.
@CourthouseNews There are seven documents that may contain similar redactions.
(Giving away my competitive edge here.)
(Giving away my competitive edge here.)
@CourthouseNews To be clear, that's what WILL hit the public domain. It was allowed to be filed under seal previously.
@CourthouseNews Folks, it takes awhile to upload large files. Please be patient.
The materials say that Cohen exchanged "a series of calls, text messages, and emails" with Daniels' atty Keith Davidson, David Pecker and Dylan Howard of AMI; Trump and Hope Hicks.
The materials say that Cohen exchanged "a series of calls, text messages, and emails" with Daniels' atty Keith Davidson, David Pecker and Dylan Howard of AMI; Trump and Hope Hicks.
@CourthouseNews Doc:
The day after the Access Hollywood video dropped, Cohen received a call from Hope Hicks, the first such call in weeks. Trump joined into it. Hicks and Cohen spoke privately after; immediately after that call, Cohen called Pecker.
The day after the Access Hollywood video dropped, Cohen received a call from Hope Hicks, the first such call in weeks. Trump joined into it. Hicks and Cohen spoke privately after; immediately after that call, Cohen called Pecker.
@CourthouseNews Day after Access Hollywood tape, per doc:
7:39 pm: Flurry of calls between Cohen, Pecker and Howard.
7:56 pm: Cohen calls Hicks for two minutes. Pecker calls him right after for two-minute conversation.
8:03 pm: Cohen calls Trump, speaking for nearly eight minutes.
7:39 pm: Flurry of calls between Cohen, Pecker and Howard.
7:56 pm: Cohen calls Hicks for two minutes. Pecker calls him right after for two-minute conversation.
8:03 pm: Cohen calls Trump, speaking for nearly eight minutes.
@CourthouseNews 9:13 p.m.: Text message from Howard to Cohen.
"Keith will do it. Let's reconvene tomorrow."
An apparent reference to Stormy's lawyer.
"Keith will do it. Let's reconvene tomorrow."
An apparent reference to Stormy's lawyer.
@CourthouseNews Service advisory: The Epstein hearing is imminent and the court appears to be having technically difficulties with the live feed. My dispatches on that may be delayed.
@CourthouseNews Here's the first of eight documents. courthousenews.com/wp-content/upl…
@CourthouseNews Berman says he should have his written opinion on the docket within the next one or two hours.
🚨Berman rejects Epstein's bail application.
Berman cites danger to others and to the community.
That fills more than 10 pages of the decision and order, and it is the "heart" of the decision, Berman says.
That fills more than 10 pages of the decision and order, and it is the "heart" of the decision, Berman says.
Berman:
"I find that the government has established danger to others and to the community by clear and convincing evidence," he says, also finding risk of flight by "preponderance of the evidence."
"I doubt that any bail package can overcome danger to the community."
"I find that the government has established danger to others and to the community by clear and convincing evidence," he says, also finding risk of flight by "preponderance of the evidence."
"I doubt that any bail package can overcome danger to the community."
Berman cites testimony of Annie Farmer and Courtney Wild in supporting his ruling.
Berman also cites evidence of intimidation and evidence of Epstein missing sex-offender check-ins.
He also cites "sexually explicit photos" and "expired Austrian passport" with Epstein's photo, not his name, and a Saudi residence.
He also cites "sexually explicit photos" and "expired Austrian passport" with Epstein's photo, not his name, and a Saudi residence.
Berman estimates the written ruling will be between 30 and 34 pages long.
Schedules a conference for Wednesday, July 31 at 11 a.m.
Schedules a conference for Wednesday, July 31 at 11 a.m.
Berman: "Thank you for being here and we are adjourned."
Same screenshot shows that Cohen and Howard's communications went well after midnight the next day.
3:31 a.m.: Cohen texts Howard, "Thank you.
"Eight minutes later": Cohen texts Howard that "Resolution Consultant LLC" is entity he formed week ago.
3:31 a.m.: Cohen texts Howard, "Thank you.
"Eight minutes later": Cohen texts Howard that "Resolution Consultant LLC" is entity he formed week ago.
Pivoting back to Epstein:
Developing story for @CourthouseNews, with more updates to come, particularly when the written ruling becomes live. courthousenews.com/mansion-off-li…
Developing story for @CourthouseNews, with more updates to come, particularly when the written ruling becomes live. courthousenews.com/mansion-off-li…
@CourthouseNews Day Two after WaPo publishes Access Hollywood tape:
10:58 a.m.: Howard texts Cohen and Davidson: "Keith/Michael: connecting you both in regards to that business opportunity. Spoke to the client this AM and they're confirmed to proceed with the opportunity."
Feds: Stormy deal
10:58 a.m.: Howard texts Cohen and Davidson: "Keith/Michael: connecting you both in regards to that business opportunity. Spoke to the client this AM and they're confirmed to proceed with the opportunity."
Feds: Stormy deal
@CourthouseNews "AMI was also involved in a payment to model Karen McDougal." #AlwaysReadTheFootnotes
@CourthouseNews Three days later...
8:54 a.m.: Cohen texts Pecker, "I need to talk to you."
9:06 a.m.: Pecker texts Cohen, "I called please call me back."
No call records. They chatted on Signal, the encrypted messaging app, per feds.
8:54 a.m.: Cohen texts Pecker, "I need to talk to you."
9:06 a.m.: Pecker texts Cohen, "I called please call me back."
No call records. They chatted on Signal, the encrypted messaging app, per feds.
@CourthouseNews So commenced a flurry of activity from Cohen to sort out paperwork to dissolve one Delaware shell company, Resolution Consultants LLC, and open another Delaware shell company, Essential Consultants LLC, the hush-money payment conduit, per feds.
@CourthouseNews Nov. 4, 2016: WSJ publishes story alleging National Enquirer "Shielded Donald Trump" from Karen McDougal's allegations.
Howard responds to Cohen:
"We just need her to disappear," referring to McDougal.
Howard responds to Cohen:
"We just need her to disappear," referring to McDougal.
@CourthouseNews Cohen on then-forthcoming WSJ reporting:
"He's pissed," referring to Trump, authorities believed.
Howard: "I'm pissed! You're pissed. Pecker is pissed. Not much we can do."
"He's pissed," referring to Trump, authorities believed.
Howard: "I'm pissed! You're pissed. Pecker is pissed. Not much we can do."
@CourthouseNews Still Nov. 4, 2016, minutes later...
9:03 p.m.: Hicks calls Cohen, for two-minute conversation.
9:11 p.m.: Cohen calls Howard, 5 minutes.
9:15 p.m.: Hicks calls Cohen, nearly 7 minutes.
9:32 p.m.: Cohen texts Pecker, "The boss just tried calling you. Are you free?"
9:03 p.m.: Hicks calls Cohen, for two-minute conversation.
9:11 p.m.: Cohen calls Howard, 5 minutes.
9:15 p.m.: Hicks calls Cohen, nearly 7 minutes.
9:32 p.m.: Cohen texts Pecker, "The boss just tried calling you. Are you free?"
@CourthouseNews 9:50 p.m.: WSJ store drops and Howard and Hicks both send Cohen links.
Next morning, Nov. 5, 2016...
7:35 a.m.: Cohen texts Hicks, "So far I only see 6 stories. Getting little to no traction."
Hicks responds, "Same. Keep praying!! It's working!"
Cohen: Even CNN not talking
Next morning, Nov. 5, 2016...
7:35 a.m.: Cohen texts Hicks, "So far I only see 6 stories. Getting little to no traction."
Hicks responds, "Same. Keep praying!! It's working!"
Cohen: Even CNN not talking
@CourthouseNews Updating both stories now for @CourthouseNews.
Read the files to learn the panic--there's no other word for it--that ensued in the Trump campaign and AMI after the Access Hollywood tapes and WSJ revelations.
A blow-by-blow, minute-by-minute accounting of crisis management.
Read the files to learn the panic--there's no other word for it--that ensued in the Trump campaign and AMI after the Access Hollywood tapes and WSJ revelations.
A blow-by-blow, minute-by-minute accounting of crisis management.
@CourthouseNews JUST IN: Jailed Michael Cohen releases a statement via his publicist skewering "distorted and dishonest" comments by Trump's attorney.
@CourthouseNews Just filed a couple of new updates to the existing stories, which are pretty bare placeholders for what's to come too.
I'll share update soon, and still waiting for Berman's written ruling.
For now, back to the breakdown of the unsealed materials.
I'll share update soon, and still waiting for Berman's written ruling.
For now, back to the breakdown of the unsealed materials.
@CourthouseNews About to go on @CTVNews to discuss the Epstein case. Watch soon! 🇨🇦
@CourthouseNews @CTVNews Back!
@CourthouseNews @CTVNews Frankly, all--probably time for a lunch break.
To my Turkish followers: Açım.
BRB
To my Turkish followers: Açım.
BRB
(Used to give that update when live-tweeting the Zarrab case.)
Back soon.
Back soon.
Last among #CohenFiles:
The govt's letter makes (since-rejected) request to redact details about third parties to protect their privacy. A footnote redacts targets of campaign-finance/false statements probes. #AlwaysReadTheFootnotes @CourthouseNews
Doc: documentcloud.org/documents/6206…
The govt's letter makes (since-rejected) request to redact details about third parties to protect their privacy. A footnote redacts targets of campaign-finance/false statements probes. #AlwaysReadTheFootnotes @CourthouseNews
Doc: documentcloud.org/documents/6206…
@CourthouseNews "Based on a text message from Hicks to Cohen, I believe that later that morning, Pecker spoke to Trump," FBI agent in an affidavit.
"Later that morning" is Nov. 5, 2016.
Next sentence: "On or about November 8, 2016, Trump won the election for President of the United States."
"Later that morning" is Nov. 5, 2016.
Next sentence: "On or about November 8, 2016, Trump won the election for President of the United States."
@CourthouseNews Jan. 12, 2018: WSJ blows lid on Stormy hush-money payments.
Jan. 22, 2018: Common Cause files FEC complaint.
Jan. 23, 2018: Cohen drafts this statement to "an individual who appears to be writing a book on Cohen's behalf," suggesting allegation known since 2011.
Jan. 22, 2018: Common Cause files FEC complaint.
Jan. 23, 2018: Cohen drafts this statement to "an individual who appears to be writing a book on Cohen's behalf," suggesting allegation known since 2011.
@CourthouseNews "[F]or the foregoing reasons, there is probable cause to believe that Cohen committed violations of the Campaign Finance Offenses by making an in-kind contribution to Trump or the Trump campaign in the form of a $130,000 payment to Clifford on the eve of the election." </fin>
@CourthouseNews There are seven other documents like this, but this is the main section that everyone was waiting to see.
Sifting through other redactions for other revelations.
Sifting through other redactions for other revelations.
