The Justice Department is raising conflict of interest concerns about the lawyer representing Walt Nauta, one of former President Donald Trump's alleged co-conspirators in the classified documents case.
Attorney Stanley Woodward has represented "at least seven other individuals who have been questioned in connection with the investigation," including those who have testified about Nauta, attorneys for special counsel Jack Smith's office wrote in a 10-page motion on Wednesday.
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The DOJ is requesting what is known as a Garcia hearing with Woodward's client to "inform them of potential risks and inquire into possible waivers." Prosecutors asked the Florida court to look into whether Nauta completely understands the risks associated with his present attorney and whether he is being represented fairly.
The motion on Wednesday followed a superseding indictment added to the case on July 27 that included allegations based, at least in part, on information provided during an interview with Mar-a-Lago employee Yuscil Taveras, who is described as "Trump Employee 4" in the indictment.
The revelation raised concerns because the indictment reveals a private and possibly incriminating conversation between Taveras and Carlos De Oliveira, who is described in the indictment as the property manager at the Florida resort and was named as Trump's third co-defendant last week.
The DOJ told Woodward about the possible conflict representing both Taveras and Nauta might pose on two separate occasions, once in February and again in March, according to the motion.
But around three weeks before the superseding indictment, Taveras obtained a new lawyer. Some legal experts have suggested that the inclusion of Taveras's private conversations with Oliveira could mean Taveras is cooperating with the government.
Prosecutors also said that two other witnesses who have been represented by Woodward at some point raised concerns about possible conflicts.
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"Nauta should be thoroughly advised of the potential conflicts and attendant risks. Witness 1 and Witness 2 should also be present at the hearing and apprised of the risk that Mr. Woodward may use or disclose confidences he obtained from them," the filing read.
Woodward also represents several defendants involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Late last month, Woodward arrived late to a hearing in which two of his clients were awaiting a verdict in connection to the riot. His reason for tardiness was that he attended a grand jury session at the same courthouse for the special counsel's investigation.