Walt Nauta, a former valet for Donald Trump and a co-defendant in Trump’s federal classified documents case, alleges that the Department of Justice (DOJ) targeted him unfairly for exercising his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during the initial stages of the investigation.
According to documents unsealed by Judge Aileen Cannon of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Nauta’s attorneys argue that he was singled out by the DOJ. Nauta faces five criminal charges, including conspiracy to obstruct justice and lying to the FBI, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
Cannon has recently unsealed several previously confidential filings, indicating that Trump’s arguments for dismissal, including claims of selective and vindictive prosecution, will be made public soon.
In his motion to dismiss, Nauta contends that despite his extensive cooperation with federal investigators, the DOJ turned against him following a seemingly informal meeting between his attorney and David Raskin, who represented special counsel Jack Smith. However, during the meeting, Raskin allegedly demanded Nauta’s “full cooperation” in the investigation.
Nauta’s attorneys argue that this encounter led to increased hostility towards Nauta, resulting in additional charges being brought against him. They claim that others involved in similar conduct regarding the handling of Trump’s classified documents were not prosecuted.
In response, prosecutors argue that Nauta’s claims of selective prosecution are unfounded, citing differences in the conduct of other individuals employed by Trump who were not charged.
