Sidney Powell, the Trump-affiliated attorney who just pleaded guilty to tampering with voting equipment in the Georgia election racketeering case, is getting an incredibly favorable deal, said CNN legal correspondent Paula Reid on Thursday.
Nevertheless, it was worth it for prosecutors to go through with the offer, she added.
"So Paula, her deal includes six years' probation, testify at future trials, apology letter to Georgia citizens, $9,000 in restitution, turn over documents," said anchor Jake Tapper. "She was facing seven charges, including violations of the Georgia Racketeering Act, conspiracy to commit election fraud — is it surprising she isn't facing jail time? It does seem like this is a slap on the wrist."
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"It is a slap on the wrist, but that's what you get when second in line and agree to plea," said Reid. "This is good for prosecutors, it's great for her, but ultimately gives prosecutors ability to claim a win. This is the first member of Trump's now-former inner circle to agree to plea."
Notwithstanding the typical punishment for someone in this case, Reid continued, the guilty plea is to prosecutors' benefit.
"This is something that they would absolutely want, as opposed to having to put on a trial for five months," said Reid. "It's a complicated RICO case. Been watching the hearings. It's not clear how successful they're going to be in this first trial. For prosecutors it's a win. What does she get in return? A slap on the wrist."
Watch the video below or at the link here.
Paula Reid says Sidney Powell plea agreement is "slap on the wrist"www.youtube.com
