In an unexpected turn of events, a supposed “fictitious” indictment linked to former President Trump and 18 others was posted prematurely on the Fulton County Court’s website prior to the grand jury’s decision on Monday.
The document in question listed the very same charges which were later revealed in the actual indictment Monday night. Among these charges were violations of the Georgia RICO Act, solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer, and conspiracy to commit filing false documents.
Reuters reported on the said document first. However, Fulton County Court was quick to remove the document and categorically labeled it “fictitious.”
They cautioned the media, emphasizing that “documents that do not bear an official case number, filing date, and the name of The Clerk of Courts, in concert, are not considered official filings and should not be treated as such.”
When Monday night rolled around, the formal indictment was unsealed, containing identical charges to those previously listed on the questioned document.
REALTED: As Trump Hit with Fourth Indictment, Remember What He Really Said in Famous Georgia Phone Call
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, when probed about this curious incident, responded, “No, I can’t tell you anything about what you refer to.”
What I can tell you is that we had a grand jury here in Fulton County. They deliberated till almost 8 o’clock, if not right after 8 o’clock, an indictment was returned. It was true billed. And you now have an indictment,” she said.
As Tuesday dawned, reactions from Trump’s attorneys and supporters were swift and critical of the system.
RELATED: Trump Fires Back After Georgia Indictment, Raises Questions About Charging Documents
In an effort to clarify the situation, the court released a detailed statement on Tuesday afternoon. It revealed that “a media outlet utilizing the Fulton County Press que obtained a docket sheet and shared it with other media outlets” – unintentionally leaking a “sample working document” related to the former President.
“Upon learning of the mishap, Fulton County Clerk of Superior and Magistrate Courts, Ché Alexander, immediately removed the document and issued correspondence notifying the media that a fictitious document was in circulation and that no indictment had been returned by the Grand Jury,” the statement said.
The court explained “Unfortunately, the sample working document led to the docketing of what appeared to be an indictment, but which was, in fact, only a fictitious docket sheet.”
Furthermore, the court clarified that “because the media has access to documents before they are published, and while it may have appeared that something official had occurred because the document bore a case number and filing date, it did not include a signed ‘true’ or ‘no’ bill nor an official stamp with Clerk Alexander’s name.”
“Hours later, after receiving the True Bill presented to presiding Judge, Robert McBurney, Clerk Alexander executed the filing with a file stamp and moments later she made the filing public,” the court continues. “The Office understands the confusion that this matter caused and the sensitivity of all court filings.”
The court insists that it remains “committed to operating with an extreme level of efficiency, accuracy, and transparency.”
“Media members can expect to be notified of any/all filings in real time and will be provided access to filings via equitable communication,” the court said.
The whole situation is highly speculative as the indictments against the former president seem to compound weekly with court dates that will surely interfere with the campaign and election process in 2024.
