“Jenna Ellis: Ex-Trump Lawyer Pleads Guilty in Georgia Election Controversy”

Former Trump Attorney Jenna Ellis Pleads Guilty in Georgia Election Interference Case

By Sam Gringlas | Updated October 24, 2023 2:47 PM ET

Originally published October 24, 2023 10:20 AM ET

Jenna Ellis speaks with her attorney Franklin Hogue in an Atlanta court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to a felony count of aiding and abetting false statements and writing. (John Bazemore/AP)

ATLANTA — Attorney Jenna Ellis has entered a guilty plea in the Georgia election interference case. Ellis is the fourth defendant to plead guilty in the broad racketeering case focused on efforts to keep then-President Donald Trump in office after his 2020 loss to Joe Biden.

Guilty Pleas from Trump’s Lawyers

Lawyers Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell had already entered guilty pleas last week, just before their trial was set to begin. Additionally, Scott Hall, a bail bondsman, pleaded guilty in September. With Jenna Ellis now admitting guilt, the case against the individuals involved in the alleged election interference gains further momentum.

In exchange for truthful testimony at future trials, Ellis pleaded guilty to one felony count of aiding and abetting false statements and writings. She had initially been charged with two counts, including racketeering.

The Plea Agreement

The terms of Jenna Ellis’ plea agreement include:

• Five years of probation
• $5,000 restitution to the Georgia Secretary of State’s office
• 100 hours of community service
• A letter of apology to the people of Georgia

These penalties, while significant, represent a resolution to the legal proceedings against Ellis in this particular case.

The Genesis of the Charges

Ellis’ charge stems from a subcommittee hearing of Georgia’s Senate Judiciary Committee on December 3, 2020. During the hearing, Trump lawyers Rudy Giuliani and Ray Smith made a series of baseless claims of widespread election fraud. They asserted that tens of thousands of minors, felons, and deceased individuals had voted in Georgia’s 2020 election. Ellis pleaded guilty to aiding this testimony, which prosecutors argue was intended to convince the legislature to disregard Joe Biden’s victory in Georgia.

“The false statements were made with reckless disregard for the truth,” prosecutor Daysha Young stated at Tuesday’s plea hearing.

A Tearful Apology

During the plea hearing, Ellis became emotional and tearfully asked to address the court.

“What I did not do, but should have done, your honor, was to make sure that the facts the other lawyers alleged to be true were, in fact, true,” Ellis admitted. “In the frenetic pace of attempting to raise challenges to the election in several states, including Georgia, I failed to do my due diligence. I believe in and value election integrity. If I knew then what I know now, I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post-election challenges.”

This emotional display showcased Ellis’ remorse for her actions and her acknowledgment of her responsibility in perpetuating false statements.

Past Controversy Surrounding Ellis

It is worth noting that Jenna Ellis was previously censured by a Colorado judge earlier this year after admitting that she had made repeated false statements about the 2020 presidential election. This prior instance of misleading information raises concerns about her credibility and ethical conduct.

Remaining Co-Defendants and Trial Schedule

In Georgia, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee has not yet set a trial date for the remaining co-defendants, including former President Donald Trump. The federal election interference trial involving Trump is scheduled to begin in March, making it unlikely that a Georgia trial would start before next spring.

This delay in proceedings allows for additional time to build a significant case that seeks to uncover the truth behind the alleged election interference and hold those involved accountable.

If convicted, the potential legal consequences for the defendants could have far-reaching implications for future elections and the preservation of democracy.

Editorial: Upholding the Integrity of Elections

Election integrity is the cornerstone of any functioning democracy. The recent guilty pleas in the Georgia election interference case shed light on the tumultuous aftermath of the 2020 United States presidential election.

While it is essential to respect different perspectives and legal processes, it is equally crucial to hold individuals accountable for their actions when there is evidence of falsehoods, manipulation, and attempts to undermine the democratic process.

The guilty pleas of Jenna Ellis, Kenneth Chesebro, Sidney Powell, and Scott Hall demonstrate a willingness from the justice system to address alleged election interference at all levels. However, the pursuit of truth and justice must extend beyond individual defendants to encompass any broader systemic issues that may have contributed to these actions.

Going forward, it is vital to strengthen and refine election laws, ensuring that they encompass safeguards to prevent the misuse of legal processes for political gain.

Advice for Future Elections

Educating the Public on Election Processes

In order to safeguard the integrity of elections, it is crucial that there be ongoing public education campaigns to explain the intricacies of the electoral process, the various security measures in place, and the protocols for challenging election results.

This education should be aimed at fostering widespread understanding and trust in the electoral system and reducing the susceptibility of individuals to misinformation and baseless claims of fraud.

Promoting Transparency and Accountability

Election officials, political parties, and candidates have a responsibility to maintain transparency throughout the election process. This includes providing clear and accessible information on voter registration, ballot counting procedures, and the investigation of any potential irregularities.

Additionally, there must be mechanisms in place to hold individuals accountable for making false statements or engaging in activities that undermine the integrity of elections.

Protecting Whistleblowers and Election Officials

In order to ensure a free and fair electoral process, it is crucial to protect whistleblowers and election officials who come forward with information pertaining to election interference. This protection should extend to both legal and reputational matters.

By encouraging individuals to report any suspicious activities or attempts to manipulate election outcomes, we can strengthen the safeguarding of our democratic processes.

Only through a diligent commitment to election transparency, public education, and the enforcement of ethical standards can we maintain the integrity of our elections and protect the foundation of our democracy.