Prosecutors Are Extracting Data From More Than 100 Locked Phones Seized During Inauguration Day Arrests
Prosecutors revealed in a court filing on Wednesday that they were pulling data from more than 100 cell phones seized during arrests on Inauguration Day. All the phones were locked, but the government indicated they were still able to collect information from them.
Police detain a demonstrator on January 20, 2017 Zach Gibson / AFP / Getty Images
WASHINGTON — Prosecutors are extracting data from more than 100 locked cell phones seized during arrests in downtown Washington, DC, on President Trump’s Inauguration Day, according to proposed formally dividing the defendants into at least four categories for future trials, based on the type of conduct they were accused of, the seriousness of the alleged offenses, and the available evidence that could apply to groups of people.
Christopher Mutimer, a defense lawyer representing one of the defendants, told BuzzFeed News by email on Wednesday that he would oppose efforts by the government to hold joint trials.
“These cases should be tried individually in a manner that protects each individual defendant’s constitutional rights,” Mutimer said. “Not in groupings that make the trials most convenient for the government. Grouping individuals for trial creates a danger of wrongful convictions based on guilt by association.”
Arraignments are scheduled through early April, and then follow-up hearings are set starting in the middle of the month, when the judge is likely to begin addressing any evidence-related issues and motions.
