Ex-Trump Chief Of Staff Mark Meadows Pleads Not Guilty In Georgia Election Case

Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows pleaded not guilty to charges in the Georgia 2020 election case and waived his scheduled Wednesday arraignment, according to court documents posted Tuesday.

Meadows, one of former President Donald Trump’s 18 co-defendants, faces two charges: violating Georgia’s “Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations” (RICO) Act and Solicitation of Violation of Oath by a Public Officer. He is currently trying to move his case to federal court, arguing that the charges took place while he was serving as Chief of Staff.

“I fully understand the nature of the offenses charged and my right to appear at arraignment,” the court filing states. “Understanding my rights, I do hereby freely and voluntarily waive my right to be present at my arraignment on the Indictment and my right to have it read to me in open court.”

Attorney John Eastman, former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark, former Coffee County GOP Chair Cathy Latham, Georgia state Sen. Shawn Still and former Georgia GOP Chair David Shafer have also entered “not guilty” pleas, according to CNN.

Last Monday, Meadows testified during a hearing on moving his case, where he denied a key aspect of the indictment, ABC News reported.