By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Podcast
BBC - Guardian UK - Honduras - ESPN
FEDERAL COURT, July 26, updated – Thomas Barrack and Matthew Grimes, indicted for illegal lobbying for the United Arab Emirates, were arraigned on July 26 before U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York Magistrate Judge Sanket Bulsara. Inner City Press live tweeted it here (and podcast here)
Judge Bulsara: How do you plead?
For Tom Barrack: Not guilty. Judge Bulsara: And Mr. Grimes? He's charged in Court 1 and Count 2. For Matthew Grimes: Not guilty.
Judge reads Rule 5f Due Process Protection Act script. Assistant US Attorney: The government is prepared to agree to a bond substantially similar to those imposed by Judge Donahue on Friday. For Mr. Barrack, at $250 million bond...
Judge Bulsara: Where will he reside? Lawyer: Colorado. But his minor children live in the Central District of California. So he will travel.
Lawyer: The initial conditions on Friday were restriction to Central District of California, and EDNY and SDNY in New York. Judge Bulsara: I understand that to secure the $250 million bond, there's $5 million cash in an account at the law firm? Lawyer: Yes.
Judge Bulsara: On the confessions of judgment -- Lawyer: Based on our conversation with counsel in Colorado, perfecting judgment might take time. So we'd like a more extended time period.
Judge Bulsara: I have one final question with respect to Mr. Barrack, regarding Paragraph 7...
AUSA: It means, No foreign transactions. Domestic transactions limited to $50,000... Judge Bulsara: The suretors, I'm going to want to ask you some questions.
Let raise your right hand. Judge Bulsara: Do you understand the charges? And that you are being asked to be signed onto the bond? "Yes."
Judge Bulsara: Mr. Barrack, you're subject to a travel restriction, now including Colorado. You are barred from contacting certain people, including Mr. Grimes as well as Mr. Al Malik or officials of the United Arab Emirates. You are subject to location monitoring
Judge Bulsara: You are only permitted to travel on a common air carrier... Do you understand? Barrack: Yes I do, your Honor.
Judge Bulsara: Let me explain the consequences if you violate these conditions. There would be financial consequences...
Judge Bulsara: Mr. Grimes, I have a document that's called an appearance bond. What's your relationship with Matthew Grimes? A: He's my brother... I earn $140,000 a year.
Judge Bulsara: Mr. Grimes, I'm prepared to release you pending trial, provided you understand the conditions. Grimes: I do, your Honor.
Judge Bulsara: You can only travel on a common air carrier. Fund transfers are restricted, as set forth in the bond.
AUSA: This case has been set down for a conference before Judge Cogan on September 2 at 10 am. We request the exclusion of time under the Speedy Trial Act until then
Judge Bulsara: Defense, do you consent? Yes. Judge Bulsara: OK, we are adjourned.
Update: Both defendants entered pleas of “not guilty” to the indictment through their attorneys. No changes in their bond conditions except that Barrack is now also allowed to travel to the state of Colorado where he will reside at his home in Aspen. Their first appearance before U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan will be on September 2 at 10 a.m. The government will begin turning over discovery to the defendants. Grimes’s father was present in the courtroom in Brooklyn today. Barrack’s ex-wife, son and Barrack’s friend were on videoconference as suretors for his $250 million bond.
The case is USA V. AL MALIK ALSHAHHI et al., 21-cr-371 (EDNY, Cogan, J.)
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