Michigan: Judge in fake electors case warns social media posts during court could rise to criminal charges [View all]

Source: Michigan Advance

Judge in fake electors case warns social media posts during court could rise to criminal charges

Anna Liz Nichols
Tue, April 23, 2024 at 4:40 PM EDT·3 min read

Ingham County Judge Kristen Simmons presides over a preliminary exam in Lansing for six of the defendants in the Attorney General's case against individuals it says submitted false election results for the 2020 presidential election. The court appearance took place on Dec. 13, 2023. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols)

Michigan Judge Kristen Simmons, while presiding over the case against several individuals facing felony charges for submitting false electoral votes for former President Donald Trump in 2020, began court Tuesday with a warning: Cut the social media posts.

Simmons said at no time should photos be taken of witnesses, “nor should there Facebook posts or other public posts made with commentary about that testimony, especially disparaging comments,” adding that such posts can rise to contempt of court or even witness intimidation.

“If it appears that you’re taking a photo, I’m going to have to take your phone and have it searched because we’re not going to have witnesses being intimidated when they’re coming in here under a subpoena to give testimony nor will I have to be taking time away from my judicial duties to address commentary made on Facebook posts. It’s juvenile and it’s ridiculous,” Simmons said.

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Read more: https://news.yahoo.com/judge-fake-electors-case-warns-204013085.html