US District Judge Steve Jones has denied a request by Mark Meadows, former White House chief of staff under Donald Trump, to pause his decision to keep the Georgia election subversion case in state court. Meadows had requested an emergency stay to avoid the possibility of being convicted in state court while he continues to fight to move the case to federal court.
Judge Jones dismissed Meadows’ contentions, stating that the possibility of facing trial next month does not irreparably harm him, as no trial date has been set and it is not guaranteed to take place in October. This rejection from Judge Jones paves the way for a showdown at the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals, a conservative-leaning federal court where Meadows is appealing the decision. He has additionally sought an emergency order from the 11th Circuit to halt Jones’ ruling during the appeal process.
Meadows is arguing that the charges against him should be moved to federal court, where he will seek dismissal under a federal immunity extended to defendants facing court proceedings for their actions as federal officers. However, Judge Jones, an Obama appointee, ruled last week that Meadows did not meet the legal requirements for the case to be transferred.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis opposed Meadows’ request to pause the ruling, stating that he exaggerated concerns of being tried, convicted, and imprisoned in state court while the federal appeal is ongoing. The 11th Circuit has set a fast-paced briefing schedule for the emergency order being sought by Meadows, with deadlines for briefs from both parties.
Mark Meadows faces charges of racketeering and soliciting a public official to violate their oath as part of a broader case against attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.