John Eastman, a former lawyer for former President Trump, pleaded not guilty on Friday in Phoenix on charges related to an alleged conspiracy to overturn Arizona’s 2020 presidential election results.
Eastman was among a group of Trump allies indicted in Arizona in late April for allegedly attempting to prevent the lawful transfer or power. They were charged alongside 11 pro-Trump Arizona Republicans who signed documents claiming to be the state’s valid electors in 2020.
Prosecutors have accused the defendants of creating a fraudulent scheme seeking to have election officials wrongfully overturn Biden’s narrow victory.
Following the brief hearing in Phoenix, Eastman said, “I, of course, plead not guilty,” CNN reported.
“I’m confident that, with the laws faithfully applies, I will be exonerated at the end of this process,” he said.
He was released from custody without conditions, the outlet reported.
Other Trump allies like former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows have also been indicted.
A source told CNN that each defendant is expected to be fingerprinted and have a mugshot taken as they are processed.
Eastman is accused of creating a plan for former Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the election and advised Trump to disrupt Congress’ certification of the results on Jan. 6, 2021. He denied any communication with the so-called “fake electors,” per the Arizona Republic.
“Zero involvement with any of the litigation of the legislative hearings in Arizona. We will proceed to trial, and I’m confident, if the law is faithfully applies, I will be fully exonerated,” he reportedly said.
