At a hearing in Washington today, the federal judge overseeing the trial of former Trump advisor Roger Stone said she’s considering a gag order.
“This is a criminal proceeding and not a public relations campaign,” Judge Amy Berman Jackson said.
Since the trial began, Stone has been on the Infowars and cable news circuit, getting on everyone’s nerves — including judge Jackson.
Jackson warned Stone of treating the pre-trial period “like a book tour,” and reminded him he should not argue his own case “on the talk show circuit.”
From CNN:
Jackson, who handles several cases related to the Mueller investigation, previously imposed a gag order over Paul Manafort’s criminal case restricting Manafort’s team’s public statements.
Both sides will be given a chance to respond by next Friday.
Stone was charged last week with seven counts of lying to Congress, obstruction of justice and witness tampering. He has pleaded not guilty.
The Justice Department said that evidence from Stone’s computer and accounts go back “several years,” and that the FBI seized electronic devices from Stone’s home, apartment and office.
The FBI seized “terabytes” of data from Stone’s residences and offices in various states.
Roger Stone's hearing is over — judge said she's considering imposing a gag order, but hasn't made up her mind yet. She said she understood Stone's desire to tell his story, but she had to ensure a fair trial: "This is a criminal proceeding and not a public relations campaign…"
— Zoe Tillman (@ZoeTillman) February 1, 2019
Again…important (I think) to point out that DC U.S. atty office prosecutor Michael Marando spoke on behalf of the gov’t in the Roger Stone case. Clear indication to me that the special counsel’s office work is winding down with DC prosecutor taking lead on this case.
— Shimon Prokupecz (@ShimonPro) February 1, 2019
Judge told Roger Stone that any inconsistencies he has had when speaking publicly could be introduced as evidence at his trial.
Prosecutors said a possible October trial date. Judge thinks the case could go to trial in July or August. @kpolantz
— Shimon Prokupecz (@ShimonPro) February 1, 2019
This comment today from the Roger Stone judge, who has yet to decide on whether to issue a gag order: “I believe it’s better for counsel and parties to do their talking in pleadings, not on courthouse steps, not on the talk show circuit." https://t.co/UO3vhqSPcY
— Manuel Roig-Franzia (@RoigFranzia) February 1, 2019