To the Editor:
After the vote in the U.S. Senate of the impeachment trial, Senator Mitch McConnell scathingly condemned former President Trump. After McConnell's vote of not guilty, this was not expected. The Minority Leader reminded the American public that Trump has not gotten away with anything "yet." He reminded us of the possibility of criminal charges being leveled against Trump.
As a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, I have considered what those charges could include.
Given his tape-recorded conversation with Georgia Secretary of State Raffenperger, Trump could be charged with violating 52 U.S. Code 20511, which makes it a crime to attempt to deprive the residents of any state of a fair and impartial election. His call could also lead to charges by the State of Georgia for solicitation to commit election fraud in violation of Section 21-2-604 of the Georgia Code of Laws.
The evidence presented in the impeachment trial could lead to charges of violating 18 United States Code Sections 2381, 2383 and 2384, which make it a 10-year felony to "conspire to overthrow, put down or destroy by force the government of the United States" or to "knowingly or willfully advocate, abet, advise or teach the desirability or propriety of overthrowing the government of the United States." And 18 USC 115 is another possibility. It outlaws sedition.
With these potential legal obstacles ahead, the bone spur suffering very stable genius may not be able to enjoy his regular game of "pasture pool" each day. As Desi Arnez would say, he may have some "splaining to do."
- Joel Collins
