By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Video Podcast
BBC - Guardian UK - Honduras - ESPN
SDNY COURTHOUSE, August 13 – Just after the indictment of electric vehicle maker Nikola's founder Trevor Milton was unsealed on July 29, a press conference was held in the Southern District of New York prosecutors' office. Inner City Press went and asked about the SEC complaint's reference to Milton targeting "Robinhood investors." Video here.
US Attorney Strauss and her SEC colleague (on the job for all of one week) both deferred comment on particular companies or phenomena like Robinhood, or Elon Musk, or SPACs. But it seems there will be more prosecutions coming - including in the crypto-currency space?
Now on August 13, the assigned District Judge Edgardo Ramos has held a proceeding. Milton wants to move the case to Utah or Arizona, saying venue is not proper in New York. (Manafort's lender Steve Calk asked the same, to move to Chicago, which was denied). But after description of terrabytes of discovery and argument by Milton's lawyer Bradley Joseph Bondi, a next date of September 15 was selected. Inner City Press will continue to cover the case.
At 12:30 pm Milton was presented before SDNY Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn, and freed on consent, on $100 million bond. Inner City Press was in the Magistrates Courtroom and live tweeted it, here: (and podcast here)
From July 29: Lawyers whispering about a property in Utah. Seems he'll be freed on bond.
In the front: Milton and four defense lawyers. Three @SDNYLIVE prosecutors, including Jordan Estes and Nick Roos. Two Marshals. Awaiting Magistrate Judge Netburn. All rise.
Milton surrendered at 8 am. Case is assigned to District Judge Edgardo Ramos (who's also in One Coin cases.)
Milton pleads not guilty. Freed on $100 million bond. Less than Tom Barrack's $250 million
Milton can travel Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Arizona, Virginia and DC (for lobbying?) No contact with investors unless Milton has a relationship with them. Morgan, Utah property appraised over $30 million (contrary to the Pre Trial Services report)
Milton's lawyer says his income is down, no $50 million in bank. Judge Netburn approved free today on $100 million bond. Surrender guns.
The case is US v. Milton, 21-cr-478 (Ramos)
***
Your support means a lot. As little as $5 a month helps keep us going and grants you access to exclusive bonus material on our Patreon page. Click here to become a patron.
