A federal judge on Monday approved a protective order requested by Special Counsel Jack Smith to prevent former President Donald Trump from disclosing sensitive information in his classified documents case.
Smith sought the order to ensure that neither Trump nor co-defendant Walt Nauta, Trump’s presidential valet, disclose sensitive information obtained during the discovery process, where prosecutors will show the defense the evidence that it collected during their investigation into Trump’s handling of classified documents since his departure. .
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Trump was charged last week with 37 counts related to his handling of classified documents, after prosecutors said he repeatedly refused to turn over hundreds of documents containing classified information ranging from US nuclear secrets. the country’s defense capabilities.
The protective order said Trump and Nauta “will not disclose the Discovery Materials or their contents directly or indirectly to any person or entity other than persons employed to assist in the defense, persons interviewed as potential witnesses, attorneys for potential witnesses and other persons to whom the Court may authorize disclosure.”
In seeking the order on Friday, prosecutors said the documents included “sensitive and confidential information,” including personally identifiable information, information revealing investigative techniques, non-public information about potential witnesses, and information personal information contained on electronic devices and accounts.
Notably, the special counsel also said the documents include “information relating to ongoing investigations, the disclosure of which could compromise those investigations and identify uncharged persons.”
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Violations of the protective order “may result in contempt of court or other civil or criminal penalties,” the judge’s order said.
A similar protective order was sought and issued last month in New York, where prosecutors said they feared Trump was posting evidence on social media in a separate case involving a silent payment made to the movie star for adults Stormy Daniels.
Trump has denied any wrongdoing in both cases.
Judge orders Trump not to release evidence in classified documents case originally posted on abcnews.go.com