Saturday, July 31, 2021

Indicted UAE Lobbyists Barrack and Grimes Are Freed on Bond, Due in EDNY July 26

By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Podcast

BBC - Guardian UK - Honduras - ESPN

FEDERAL COURT, July 23, updated – Thomas Barrack and Matthew Grimes, indicted for illegal lobbying for the United Arab Emirates, were both released from custody on July 23 with GPS bracelets to be installed, pending travel to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York on July 26. Inner City Press live tweeted, here: (podcast here)

bail hearing re-starts. Seems US BOP couldn't fly them in custody from LA to NYC & so they are arguing to be freed. Judge cited EDNY detention memo

 Magistrate Judge Patricia Donahue: Mr. Scott Grimes, is this your signature as a suretor? Scott Grimes: Yes it is. Judge: He is required to appear in EDNY on July 26 at noon.

 Now Judge Donahue has moved on to Thomas Barrack.

AUSA: The government would ask that if pre-trial services in California is able to effectuate the bracelet that it be imposed until he travels to the Eastern District.

Defense lawyer: The parties envisioned Mr. Barrack would be in my trust until his appearance in Brooklyn. We don't object to the bracelet, but it's Friday afternoon. We want him out before the weekend. Could you order if the GPS could be accomplished by 3 pm, great

Judge Donahue: I think it can be done today. I'll impose it as a condition. If it's not possible, contact my courtroom deputy. Barrack's lawyer: I'm worried about Friday afternoon. Judge Donahue: It's still Friday morning here.

 Judge Donahue: Let's take a brief recess to look into the GPS.


Pre-Trial Services: We can outfit both defendants with GPS bracelets today. Judge Donahue: The Court will impose location monitoring and GPS. Barrack's lawyer: He plans to stay in a hotel tonight, we'll just tell Pre-Trial Services. Then to Santa Inez  Judge Donahue: Surrender of the passports today.  Defense lawyer: Please elevate Michelle Barrack to the status of panelist.

 Judge Donahue: Thomas Barrack The Third, did you sign this appearance bond on July 22?

TB3: Yes, Your Honor.

Judge Donohue: It's a bond secured by $5 million in cash, held in the trust account of Paul Hastings LLP pending further directions. Lawyer: We've got it

Judge Donahue: Units of Digital Bridge Group would also be forfeited. The defendant will surrender all passports by July 23 and do not apply... No contact with the first named defendant in the case... Appear in EDNY on July 26, travel with Matthew J. Harrington

Judge Donahue: No transfer of funds overseas, no domestic transactions over $50,000 except for attorneys fees.

Suretors appear remotely in EDNY on July 26. Adjourned.

Update: BARRACK will be released on a $250 million bond.  Conditions of release include electronic bracelet, GPS monitoring and a curfew with the hours to be determined by Pre-trial Services.  Barrack’s travel is restricted to the Central District of California, Eastern District of New York and Southern District of New York.     GRIMES will be released on a $5 million bond.  Conditions of release include electronic bracelet, GPS monitoring and a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew.  Travel restricted to the Central District of California, Eastern District of New York and Southern District of New York.  No contact with his co-defendant except in the presence of attorneys.     Both defendants will be arraigned in-person on Monday at noon in Brooklyn Federal Court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sanket J. Bulsara.

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