In #SDNY, now Natalie Edwards is pleading guilty after denying leaking Suspicious Activity Reports about Richard Gates, Maria Butina and Paul Manafort - whose lender Stephen Calk is still denying everything innercitypress.com/sdny1edwardsfi… threadette
During scripted allocution, we note tatted arms, male relative with braided pony tail. Judge Woods says, Do you understand possible sentence and restitution to victims, Doctor Edwards?" No, Sir.
Judge Woods turns to Jan 3 plea agreement co-signed by AUSA Maurene Comey. It's for 0 to six months, fine of $9,500
Edwards reads a prepared statement that she sent SAR "via encrypted appp to unauthorized person." Her lawyer says it was illegal. Won't say it was wrong.
Her lawyer says at the time, Edwards thought leaking was for the greater good. A family member or supporter sobs in gallery
Edwards is citing whistleblower law. Her lawyer cuts in: we have no legal defense. Judge Woods looking concerned. Or maybe it''s just the lighting / shadows
Judge Woods says, The question is not whether you's lose at trial, but whether I have the predicate to accept the plea. Edwards says, I got this --
No.
As AUSA Comey et al confer, Edwards starts speaking again.
No.
As AUSA Comey et al confer, Edwards starts speaking again.
Can or should SDNY make a whistleblower grovel?
Edwards: I knew I was not allowed under the law to disclose it.
That seems to be enough. Now the government recites its proof, from FINCEN flash drive, cell phone(s), Oct 2018 post arrest statement, search history
That seems to be enough. Now the government recites its proof, from FINCEN flash drive, cell phone(s), Oct 2018 post arrest statement, search history
Judge Woods accepts guilty plea and sets sentencing date, June 9, 4 pm. Inner City Press will be there. Story soon on InnerCityPress.com
In 1 min #Periscope of Edwards defense lawyer
