Indicted GOP lawmaker banned by judge from being left alone with evidence against him

Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), who was indicted last week for allegedly lying to FBI investigators about campaign contributions, has been prohibited from being left alone with the evidence arrayed against him and from speaking with possible witnesses, according to a report from the Daily Beast's Roger Sollenberger.

Judge Stanley Blumenfield in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California issued the order, which also hints that the government is also looking into multiple related investigations that involve other "public officials."

According to the report, the judge agreed with the prosecution's contention that Fortenberry could not be trusted to be left alone with the evidence

The order prohibits Fortenberry from taking notes or "memorializing" the evidence that concerns cooperating witnesses, and "even requires his lawyers to ensure he is 'never left alone with any Cooperator Materials'."

In his ruling, Judge Blumenfield specified, "Because these materials could be used to identify the confidential informants or cooperating witnesses the Court finds that the unauthorized dissemination or distribution of the materials may compromise the ability of such persons to participate effectively in future investigations in an undercover capacity and/or may expose him/her to potential safety risks."

The judge also expressed concern that the Republican lawmaker would see information related to the other investigations and might pass that information on.

As the Beast's Sollenberger wrote, "Witnesses against Fortenberry include an unidentified informant, as well as several current and former aides—including his longtime chief of staff Dr. Reyn Archer—whose names were listed at the Nebraska Republican's arraignment last week. The protective order indicates some witnesses have even been cooperating undercover."

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