Mar-a-Lago Documents Case: Additional Charges Filed Against Trump, Trial Date Set

Former President Donald Trump is facing additional charges in the case involving the mishandling of classified Mar-a-Lago documents case during his term at the White House. Judge Aileen Cannon has set a trial date of May 2024 for the case to take place at the courthouse in Fort Pierce, Florida.

The updated indictment of the Mar-a-Lago documents case also names two Trump employees – Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira – who allegedly attempted to delete security camera footage at Mar-a-Lago following the Justice Department’s subpoena for the material. (Photo: WBEZ)

Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Documents Case

According to court documents filed on Thursday evening, special counsel Jack Smith has brought new charges against former President Donald Trump in the Mar-a-Lago documents case concerning classified documents found at Mar-a-Lago.

According to CBS News, the indictment unsealed by the Justice Department includes several counts against Trump, including altering, destroying, mutilating, or concealing an object, corruptly altering or destroying documents, and an additional charge of willful retention of national defense information.

The updated indictment of the Mar-a-Lago documents case also names two Trump employees – Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira – who allegedly attempted to delete security camera footage at Mar-a-Lago following the Justice Department’s subpoena for the material.

Both Nauta and De Oliveira were previously charged in the case, with Nauta pleading not guilty.

Carlos De Oliveira, a Mar-a-Lago property manager, and former valet, faces charges related to altering, destroying, and concealing objects, as well as making false statements during a voluntary interview with federal investigators regarding the Mar-a-Lago documents case.

The 32nd count in the superseding indictment involves a document Trump showed to four individuals during a meeting at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, on July 21, 2021.

The document was marked as TOP SECRET/NOFORN and pertained to military activity in a foreign country. The indictment alleges that Trump revealed the sensitive information during a recorded interview, and none of the individuals present had the necessary security clearance.

During a voluntary interview with federal investigators, De Oliveira allegedly provided false information about his involvement in moving boxes at Mar-a-Lago.

READ ALSO: Criminal Probe: Donald Trump’s A Target, Special Counsel Jack Smith Told!

Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Documents Case Implications and Trial Date

According to a published article, former President Trump has consistently maintained his innocence regarding the Mar-a-Lago documents case, pleading not guilty to the charges and claiming that the prosecution is politically motivated and part of a “witch hunt” against him.

A spokesperson for the Trump campaign, Steve Cheung, accused the Biden administration and the Department of Justice of attempting to damage Trump’s reputation as he seeks the Republican presidential nomination.

The charges against Trump and his employees in the Mar-a-Lago documents case represent the first instance of the Justice Department pursuing legal action against a former president for handling sensitive government records.

Judge Aileen Cannon has set a trial date of May 2024 for the Mar-a-Lago documents case to take place at the courthouse in Fort Pierce, Florida.

Additionally, Trump and his attorneys are anticipating the possibility of another indictment related to Smith’s investigation into attempts to interfere with the 2020 presidential election and the peaceful transfer of power.

READ ALSO: Trump Requested Federal Criminal Case Delay: Justice Department Appeals On Federal Judge!