Former President Donald Trump and his 18 alleged accomplices in efforts to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results will be booked at the Fulton County jail after surrendering to authorities, the sheriff’s office announced Tuesday.
“In Fulton County, GA, the booking process and arraignment/appearance process in criminal cases are two separate things. In this case, some arraignments/appearances may be virtual as dictated by the presiding judge,” Fulton County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Natalie Ammons said in a statement.
“At this point, based on guidance received from the District Attorney’s office and presiding judge, it is expected that all 19 defendants named in the indictment will be booked at the Rice Street Jail,” she added.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who launched the investigation into Trump and his associates more than two years ago, told reporters at a late-night press conference Monday that she intended to try all 19 defendants together and that they would be given less than two weeks to turn themselves in.
“I am giving the defendants the opportunity to voluntarily surrender no later than noon on Friday the 25th day of August 2023,” Willis said, adding that she hopes to take the case to trial “within the next six months.”
The sheriff’s office noted Tuesday that Trump and his co-defendants — including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and former Trump attorney Sidney Powell — “can turn themselves in at any time.”
“The jail is open 24/7. Also, due to the unprecedented nature of this case, some circumstances may change with little or no warning.” Ammons said.
Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat said earlier this month that he anticipates authorities will adhere to “normal practices” if Trump were to be indicted, including having the former president’s mugshot taken.
Trump, 77, faces 13 counts in the case, and charges that include violating the Peach State’s anti-racketeering law, conspiracy, false statements and asking a public official to violate their oath of office.
In his previous three indictments, the former president has been spared being handcuffed or having his mugshot taken.
