In 2016, a DC nonprofit employee named Jarrett admitted a scheme to impersonate the chief of staff of Rep John Lewis.
According to his plea agreement, Jarrett created fake stationary with the Congressman’s name and Cannon House Office Bldg suite number.... but listed his own personal cell phone number
Jarrett’s scheme was to pretend to be Congressman Lewis’ chief of staff to get access to the sidelines of a Washington Redskins game and “special” access to the Clevelander bar on South Beach in Miami. It worked.
Jarrett got three years probation, but avoided prison. Federal judge even gave him a break on his probation restrictions to complete work trip to NYC.
In court filings, Jarrett’s attorney described a troubled upbringing in Detroit, in which he suffered but continually overcame obstacles. And made his way thru college. Always seeking something better
But Jarrett also admittted this big misstep. And the feds told a judge what Jarrett had done was potentially dangerous, though not intended to harm the Congressman.
When we reported this story... in 2016.... Rep Lewis’ office responded promptly and kindly. Didn’t take a shot at Jarrett ... expressed concern for Jarrett’s well-being. The kind of response you don’t typically get from govt officials.
NEW: Jan 6 defendant Jay Johnston, former "Bob's Burgers" actor, asks for leniency at sentencing Monday
Defense says feds "persistently overstated Johnston’s participation at the Capitol..because he is an acclaimed Hollywood actor. government is using his status to make a point to the public"
(MORE)
MORE: Some interesting phrasing in Jan 6 defendant Jay Johnston's defense memo to court
"..Amid the chaos, Mr. Johnston soon found himself by the Tunnel leading into the Capitol Building on the Lower West Terrace.."
Defense: "Mr. Johnston found great success in Hollywood as an actor, writer, and producer including accolades for his role as the voice actor for Jimmy Pesto, Sr. in the animated series 'Bob’s Burgers' and as Officer Taylor in 'Arrested Development"
NOTE One of the plaintiffs, Yusef Salaam, attended the Sept 10 debate venue in-person The suit alleges Salaam and Trump had this exchange after the debate
ALERT: Judge Tanya Chutkan has just allowed the unsealing of approx. 1900 pages of Jack Smith records in the Trump 2020 election conspiracy case.
Heavy, heavy redactions. Lots to go through.
But note that the records include Mike Pence's announcement on Jan 6, 2021 that he would not overturn results
The first batch (720+) pages includes heavy redactions, but also has transcripts of depositions/interviews between Trump aides/allies and the House Jan 6 Select Committee.. including questions about the "substitute" batches of electoral votes
NOW: Justice Dept asks for 27 months prison in Jan 6 case of Dana Bell, arguing “history cannot repeat itself” after the 2024 elections. Prosecutor tells judge “deterrence” is critical
Bell is accused being “agitated, angry & violent” as she accosted police & media on Jan 6
Prosecutor argues Bell engaged in “prolonged, abusive and violent” behavior. Prosecutor says Bell grabbed police officer’s baton, as police tried to clear mob away after Ashli Babbitt was shot
Prosecutor says Bell uncorked a “verbal barrage” toward officer Jeff Smith, who died days later by suicide
Prosecutor says Bell is heard telling Smith “get a real job”, “no one supports you”
IN COURT JUST NOW: Justice Dept prosecutor tells judge that the Bureau of Prisons "confirmed there was an error" ... mistakenly releasing Jan 6 defendant Leo Kelly from its prison facility in Rochester, MN
Leo Kelly was sentenced to 30 months prison in August 2023, accused of breaching the Parliamentarian's office while amid the mob.. and of facing off against "an outnumbered line of officers"
Prosecutors say prison bureau "misread" or miscalucuated filing about Kelly prison term
Leo Kelly appeared for the court hearing by zoom.. and he's asked the court to allow him to remain free (on release conditions) pending a "re-sentencing hearing"
Prosecutors want Kelly remanded back to the Bureau of Prisons pending re-sentencing hearing