Arizona AG Kris Mayes Announces Key Defendant in ‘Fake Electors’ Case Set to Turn State Witness

PHOENIX — Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is set to announce next week that one of the 18 defendants in the “fake electors” investigation will cooperate with the prosecution.

Mayes revealed the forthcoming significant announcement during the taping of the “Sunday Square Off” show. When asked if one of the defendants would turn state’s witness, she confirmed, “I think that’s accurate.” However, she did not provide further details.

“We’re making progress in the case, and we feel good about the case,” Mayes added, maintaining her forecast that the first trial could commence next year. Mark Kokanovich, a white-collar defense attorney in Phoenix, commented, “It’s good news for the government, bad news for the defendants and a pathway for other defendants in that case as well.”

The investigation has broad implications as many involved in Arizona are also defendants in Georgia’s election interference case. Jenna Ellis, a former Trump legal adviser, is among those under scrutiny. Ellis, who worked alongside Rudy Giuliani, has already pled guilty in Georgia and expressed remorse for her actions, stating, “If I knew then what I know now, I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post-election challenges.”

All 18 defendants, including high-profile figures like former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani and former Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, have pled not guilty to nine felony counts of fraud, forgery, and conspiracy. Notably, state Senators Anthony Kern and Jake Hoffman were both recently on the primary ballot, with mixed results. Kern finished fifth in a Republican primary, while Hoffman ran unopposed for his state Senate seat.

Several defendants have already filed motions to dismiss the charges, arguing various defenses. Arizona joins four other battleground states where similar criminal charges have been filed in the wake of the 2020 presidential election. The indictments allege that the state’s 11 Republican electors conspired with seven Trump allies to falsely present themselves as duly chosen electors to block the certification of Joe Biden’s victory.

“Sunday Square Off” will air this weekend, featuring the full interview with Mayes, at the special time of 6:30 p.m. Saturday on 12News.