NEW YORK — (NEW YORK) -- Of all of the federal charges that former president Donald Trump and his aide Walter Nauta face in the investigation into the alleged mishandling of top secret government documents, obstruction is one of the most serious, according to legal experts.
Claire Finkelstein, the founder and faculty director of the Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law , at the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg Public Policy Center, noted that the obstruction charges in the indictment against Trump and his aide carry as much serious weight as the charges related to keeping the top secret documents, with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Vida Johnson, an associate professor of law, at Georgetown University, told ABC News that federal prosecutors will seek an indictment on obstruction when they have evidence the subject knows they are part of an investigation. After he was subpoenaed, Trump allegedly had his attorneys falsely sign an affidavit that all of the documents were returned, according to federal prosecutors.
Finkelstein noted that obstruction can be charged against individuals who aren't the main focus of a federal investigation. Trump has defended Nauta and the aide accompanied the former president during campaign events over the weekend.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New York hospitals must assign a nurse for every 2 critical care patients under new ruleNew York’s 212 hospitals must assign at least one nurse for every two patients in critical care units under a new rule drafted by the state Health Department.
Read more »
New study ranks New York as America’s best city of 2023Amid a return to booming tourism, new benchmarks reached in subway ridership and record-high rents, Resonance Consultancy sees New York on a big rebound.
Read more »
Comedian in New York jokes about Malaysia, faces heated backlash overseas | CNNA comedian in New York who joked about the safety of Malaysian planes in an apparent reference to the disappearance of flight MH370 has sparked a heated backlash in Malaysia and Singapore.
Read more »
New York cat named Phoebe is a sassy senior looking for 'someone to love'A 17-year-old cat is up for adoption in East Hampton, New York. Phoebe is known for having a sassy personality — and she likes good food and cuddles.
Read more »
Reparations are on the mind in Albany and New York City CouncilA measure before Gov. Kathy Hochul calls for a commission to study the generational impacts of slavery and segregation in New York.
Read more »