Laws cited in Trump search warrant rarely lead to charges. In Trump’s case, experts say they might
- Federal charges under the Espionage Act used to justify Trump search are rare.
- Investigators questioning Trump aides about handling records could build a case, experts say
- Prosecutors weigh evidence to bring charges against potential for revealing secrets.
WASHINGTON – Criminal statutes cited by the Justice Department in the search of Donald Trump’s Florida estate for mishandled documents are rarely prosecuted, but legal experts say investigators may still be building a criminal case rather than simply retrieving classified records.
The FBI recovered 11 sets of “secret” and “top secret” records from Mar-a-Lago during the unprecedented search of the former president’s property. Authorities sought evidence of potential violations for mishandling defense documents, obstruction of justice and the Espionage Act.