Attorneys for Michael Sussmann, the former Clinton campaign lawyer charged as part of Special Counsel John Durham’s investigation into the origins of the Trump-Russia probe, demanded that the court “strike” the “factual background” section of Durham’s latest filing, arguing it will “taint” the jury pool.”
Durham filed a motion on Feb. 11 focused on potential conflicts of interest related to the representation of Sussmann, who has been charged with making a false statement to a federal agent. Sussmann has pleaded not guilty.
“Unfortunately, the Special Counsel has done more than simply file a document identifying potential conflicts of interest,” Sussmann’s attorneys wrote. “Rather, the Special Counsel has again made a filing in this case that unnecessarily includes prejudicial—and false—allegations that are irrelevant to his Motion and to the charged offense, and are plainly intended to politicize this case, inflame media coverage, and taint the jury pool.”
Sussmann’s attorneys added: “Sadly, the Special Counsel seems to be succeeding in his effort to instigate unfair and prejudicial media coverage of Mr. Sussmann’s case.”