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Breakdown

English, Legal, 10 seasons, 168 episodes, 4 days, 12 hours, 8 minutes
About
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Breakdown podcast returns with hosts Bill Rankin and Christian Boone. In our seventh season, we examine the deadly police shooting of Afghanistan war veteran Anthony Hill. Hill was not only unarmed when he was gunned down in March 2015, he was naked. The 26-year-old was struggling with bipolar disorder and was off his medication. But Police Officer Chip Olsen didn’t know that when he responded to a 911 call about a nude man wandering around a metro Atlanta apartment complex in the middle of the afternoon. The AJC's Breakdown podcast is just that — the breakdown of the story and the systems. The largest newsroom in the southeast delivers investigations and true crime cases that you cannot find anywhere else.
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S10 Ep41: Goodbye For Now

The most recent episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast looks at the elections of two of the most prominent players in the racketeering conspiracy case against former President Donald Trump. District Attorney Fani Willis faces a challenge in the Democratic primary and Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee is being challenged in a non-partisan race to be decided on May 21.  Episode 41 – “Goodbye For Now” – also takes a brief trip down memory lane, hitting some of the highlights of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment.” You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
5/20/202432 minutes, 8 seconds
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S10 E40: Hello 2025?

The most recent episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast explores the ramifications of the Georgia Court of Appeals decision to hear the defense’s challenge to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from the case. About six weeks after being asked to decide the issue, the appeals court said it would take it up. This almost certainly means yet another lengthy delay to the election interference case against former President Donald Trump and his remaining 14 co-defendants. Also in Episode 40 – “Hello 2025?” – of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – former special prosecutor Nathan Wade breaks his silence since he stepped down from the case after Judge Scott McAfee found Wade’s romantic relationship with Willis created the appearance of a conflict of interest. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform. Y Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
5/9/202421 minutes, 10 seconds
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S10 E39: The Case is Submitted

The most recent episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast focuses on the presidential immunity arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court. How the nation’s highest court decides the issue – whether former President Donald Trump has absolute immunity from prosecution – directly impacts the election interference case brought against him in Fulton County. Episode 39 – “The Case is Submitted” – of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – also covers a highly unusual appearance during oral arguments before the Georgia Supreme Court. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
4/30/202433 minutes, 8 seconds
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S10 Ep38: The Appeal

The latest episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast focuses on a First Amendment challenge by former President Donald Trump’s lead attorney. Lawyer Steve Sadow argues at a hearing that Trump should not be prosecuted for core political speech. Fulton County prosecutor Donald Wakeford counters that the former president is not being prosecuted just for what he said, but for engaging in a pattern of criminal conduct to interfere with the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. Episode 38 – “The Appeal” – of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – also looks at attempts by the defense to get the Georgia Court of Appeals to take a pretrial challenge to disqualify District Attorney Fani Willis and her office. And jury expert Denise de la Rue considers the ramifications in Fulton County of the upcoming hush money trial against Trump in New York. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
4/11/202423 minutes, 38 seconds
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S10 Ep37: Your Burning Questions

The most recent episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast answers several questions from listeners. A possible trial date, the ongoing appeal and a potential replacement for former special prosecutor Nathan Wade are among the topics of discussion. Episode 37 – “Your Burning Questions” – of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – also considers the presidential immunity claims being pursued in Washington and in Fulton County by former President Donald Trump. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
3/29/202431 minutes, 3 seconds
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S10 Ep36: Merchant Speaks Out

The lawyer who filed the motion to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis sits for an interview for Breakdown. Attorney Ashleigh Merchant explains her motivations for filing the motion and gives her reactions to Willis’ surprise testimony at the evidentiary hearing. Episode 36 – “Merchant Speaks Out” – is the most recent installment of Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast. The episode also covers a recent decision by Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee that allows lawyers for former President Donald Trump and seven of his co-defendants to pursue an appeal of the judge’s recent decision denying the motion to disqualify Willis. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
3/26/202444 minutes, 1 second
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S10 Ep35: Fani's Choice

The most recent episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast covers Judge Scott McAfee’s decision as to whether District Attorney Fani Willis should be disqualified from the election interference case. McAfee, in a 23-page order, didn’t decide the issue. Instead, the judge left it up to the district attorney to decide which course to take. And McAfee had a harsh assessment of Willis’ and special prosecutor Nathan Wade’s conduct. The 35th episode – “Fani’s Choice” – of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – also notes that the day before he issued his disqualification decision, McAfee dismissed six of the 41 felony counts against former President Donald Trump and his 14 remaining co-defendants. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
3/16/202423 minutes, 4 seconds
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S10 Ep34: The Cases for Keeping or Disqualifying

Breakdown’s last episode covered the highlights of the closing arguments made by the defense and prosecution as to why Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis should or should not be removed from the election interference case. In Episode 34 – “The Cases for Keeping or Disqualifying” – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast lets two legal experts – Norm Eisen and Andrew Fleischman -- give their own closings as to why they think Willis should remain on the case or be kicked off it.  The latest episode of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – also notes that Willis has picked up challengers to her reelection and that Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee also has a challenger. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
3/11/202442 minutes, 14 seconds
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S10 Ep33: The Closings

A showdown of closing arguments as to whether Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis should or should not be disqualified from the election interference case is the focus of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s most recent Breakdown podcast. Episode 33 – “The Closings” – of Breakdown’s 10th season – “The Trump Indictment” – sets up what could be a seminal moment in the case against former President Donald Trump and 14 remaining co-defendants. That’s when Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee decides whether to remove Willis or allow the case to go forward as it has been proceeding so far. Five defense attorneys argue Willis’ alleged conflict of interest because of her romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade warrants her disqualification. Deputy Assistant District Attorney Adam Abbate, arguing with Willis sitting behind him at the prosecution table, contends there has been no proof that Willis financially benefited from the Trump case. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts and Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
3/7/202447 minutes, 50 seconds
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S10 E32: No Star Witness

The former law partner and divorce lawyer of special prosecutor Nathan Wade takes the witness stand once again after the judge finds he can talk about what he learned about Wade’s and District Attorney Fani Willis’ romantic relationship. But attorney Terrence Bradley doesn’t say what defense attorneys in the election interference case want to hear. So Episode 32 – “No Star Witness” – of Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast features withering examinations of Bradley by a number of defense lawyers. The episode also recaps cellphone data analysis that former President Donald Trump’s lawyers seek to get admitted into evidence. The cellphone records raise fresh questions about Willis’ and Wade’s relationship and when it began. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcasting platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2/29/202430 minutes, 57 seconds
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S10 E31: Under The Microscope

The most recent Breakdown episode by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution dissects the recent evidentiary hearing on the motion to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her office from the election interference case. The hearing has enough twists and turns to be an episode of a telenovela. Episode 31 – “Under The Microscope” – of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – includes testimony from Willis, special prosecutor Nathan Wade and his former law partner, Terrence Bradley, who had been billed at the defense’s star witness. Allegations from both sides fly back and forth by throughout the hearing. And it features testimony by a former Georgia governor and Willis’ father, John Clifford Floyd III. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2/23/202457 minutes, 3 seconds
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S10 E30: Fani Willis Takes the Stand

With the future of Fulton County’s election interference case on the line, District Attorney Fani Willis took the stand to fight back against misconduct allegations. Defiant, emotional, angry and sometimes even funny, Willis’ testimony was both remarkable and surprising as she pushed back against accusations that could disqualify her and her office from prosecuting former President Donald Trump and his 14 remaining codefendants. The most recent episode, “Fani Willis Takes the Stand,” of Season 10 — “The Trump Indictment” — of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast analyzes Willis’ combative courtroom appearance. The episode also looks at the testimony of special prosecutor Nathan Wade and Robin Bryant Yeartie, a former friend of Willis and ex-employee of the DA’s office, who contradicted Wade and Willis’ account of when their relationship began. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2/16/202424 minutes, 54 seconds
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S10 E29: Setting the Table

The judge overseeing the election interference case against former President Donald Trump and 14 others has cleared the way for what could be an explosive hearing focusing on the personal relationship between the district attorney and her special prosecutor. The most recent episode – “Setting the Table” – of Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast sets up the upcoming evidentiary hearing. The episode also focuses on the most recent court filing by defendant Michael Roman’s attorney, Ashleigh Merchant, and District Attorney Fani Willis’ attempt to quash subpoenas served on her and her staff. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2/14/202420 minutes, 36 seconds
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S10 E28: Getting Personal

The accusations against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis continue to get increasingly personal in nature since her acknowledgment of her relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade. The latest episode of Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast covers more motions that call for Willis’ disqualification from the election interference case against former President Donald Trump and 14 co-defendants. Episode 28 – “Getting Personal” – also includes interviews with legal experts who give their takes on what has happened since the first motion to disqualify Willis was filed on Jan. 8. And it makes note of the historic ruling by the federal appeals court in Washington, rejecting Trump’s claims of presidential immunity. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2/8/202431 minutes, 28 seconds
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S10 E27: The Response

The most recent episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast covers the highly anticipated response by the District Attorney’s Office to allegations DA Fani Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wade were having an improper romantic relationship. The court filing is at times pointed and blistering and it is highly critical and dismissive of the motion to disqualify Willis and her office from prosecuting the case against former President Donald Trump and 15 remaining co-defendants. “The Response” is the 27th episode of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment.” The DA’s response also answers the question as to whether Willis and Wade did indeed have more than just a professional relationship. And it gets a quick – and powerful – reply from Ashleigh Merchant, the lawyer who represents defendant Michael Roman and first lodged the allegations. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2/5/202425 minutes, 20 seconds
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S10 E26: Piling On

The most recent episode of Breakdown covers developments inside and outside of court in the election interference case against former President Donald Trump and 14 remaining co-defendants. And the motion to disqualify District Attorney Fani Willis because of her alleged inappropriate romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade continues to loom over the case. Episode 26 – “Piling On” – of Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports on motions filed by Trump’s attorney and by attorneys for another co-defendant that join the effort to disqualify Willis. The episode also includes an interview with the lawyer who represents Wade’s estranged wife and who says a motion to quash a subpoena by Willis’ lawyer was a big mistake. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2/2/202433 minutes, 20 seconds
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S10 E25: Wade v. Wade

A hearing on a motion to prevent Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from giving a sworn deposition in the divorce case involving special prosecutor Nathan Wade is a focus of the most recent episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast. Cobb County Superior Court Judge Henry Thompson convenes an emergency hearing on the request and also considers a motion to unseal Wade’s divorce file. The 25th episode – “Wade v. Wade” – of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – also includes interviews of legal experts who weigh in on the allegations Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wade had an improper romantic relationship and whether the DA’s office should be disqualified from the election interference case. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1/25/202439 minutes, 58 seconds
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S10 E24: Firing Back From The Pulpit

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis gives an impassioned and defiant speech before a congregation at the historic Big Bethel AME Church, defending the man a court motion contends is involved in an improper, romantic relationship with the DA. Willis’ response to the bombshell allegations is the focus of the most recent episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast. Episode 24 – “Firing Back From The Pulpit” – of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – also covers a court hearing in which the allegations are brought up before the judge overseeing the case. Also, legal experts give their takes on the court motion filed by attorney Ashleigh Merchant on behalf of Trump co-defendant Michael Roman. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1/19/202433 minutes, 12 seconds
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S10 E23: Bombshell Allegations

The allegations are salacious: arguably the most famous district attorney in the country hired her romantic partner to help prosecute a former president and then profited from the arrangement. An eye-popping, explosive court motion filed on behalf of one of Donald Trump’s lesser-known defendants is the focus of the most recent episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast. Episode 23 – “Bombshell Allegations” – of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – explains the court motion filed by attorney Ashleigh Merchant, who represents defendant Michael Roman. It also looks at the fallout after the filing became public, both on the legal landscape and in the political arena. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1/11/202424 minutes, 4 seconds
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S10 E22: Sorry, Not Sorry

Are single-sentence apology letters a sign of true remorse? The latest episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast explores the meaning of apology letters written by three of the four defendants who have pleaded guilty in the Fulton County election interference case against former President Donald Trump and others. The apology letters were a condition imposed by District Attorney Fani Willis for the plea deals. Two of the letters, written by attorneys Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell, are just a single sentence. “Sorry, Not Sorry” – Episode 22 of Breakdown’s Season 10, “The Trump Indictment” – also reports on oral arguments before the federal appeals court in Atlanta, which considered a request from former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows to transfer his case from Fulton Superior Court to federal court a few blocks away. And the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, to the surprise of many, handed down its decision just three days after a three-judge panel heard the arguments. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12/21/202340 minutes, 40 seconds
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S10 Ep. 21: A Conversation With DA Willis

This episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast includes a wide-ranging interview with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.   Willis shares her thoughts on many aspects of the election interference case against former President Donald Trump and others. She also opens up about her possible political aspirations after serving as Fulton’s DA.   Episode 21 – “A Conversation With DA Willis” – of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – also catches listeners up on the ongoing defamation trial filed by two former Fulton County poll workers against Trump’s former personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani.   You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12/14/202347 minutes, 35 seconds
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S10 Ep20: Election Interference?

This episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s “Breakdown” podcast focuses on the interaction between the judge, Donald Trump’s attorney and the prosecution over the possibility of the trial being held next August. Trump’s attorney, Steve Sadow, making his courtroom debut, contends having the trial at that time would constitute election interference. Special prosecutor Nathan Wade disagrees. And Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee has questions he wants answered. “Election Interference?” – Episode 20 of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – also covers social media posts by defendant Trevian Kutti that some legal experts say could get her bond revoked and land her in jail. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or your favorite podcasting platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12/6/202334 minutes, 58 seconds
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S10 Ep19: Walking the Line

Fani Willis makes a fiery courtroom debut in the latest episode of "Breakdown: The Trump Indictment." In episode 19, "Walking the Line," we'll take you inside the Fulton County courthouse to hear Willis argue that bond should be revoked for a Donald Trump co-defendant who had been repeatedly attacking potential witnesses on social media. Harrison Floyd has been one of the most combative defendants in the case, and his lawyers argued that while he "walked up close to the line," his posts were protected free speech. Hear what Judge Scott McAfee had to say on the matter and how it could provide a sneak peek of the battle to come with another social media fan - Trump. You can follow the Breakdown podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11/29/202325 minutes, 36 seconds
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S10 Ep 18: Breakdown Bonus: Thanksgiving Edition

In this bonus episode of “Breakdown,” two legal veterans analyze the latest developments in Fulton County’s election subversion case against Donald Trump and his supporters.  Former Gwinnett County District Attorney Danny Porter and Atlanta defense attorney Bob Rubin discuss whether we are likely to see more plea deals. They also give us their opinions of those apology letters the district attorney demanded and tell us what it’s really like to try a long complicated criminal case. The episode includes an update on Harrison Floyd, who could have his bond revoked because of social media posts and comments prosecutors say amount to threats against witnesses. Could Floyd end up back behind bars at the Fulton County Jail? In “Breakdown Bonus: Thanksgiving Edition” of Breakdown’s Season 10, “The Trump Indictment” we’ll also answer reader questions, including what happens to Trump’s presidential run if he is convicted in Fulton County and what’s going on with case against Lt. Gov. Burt Jones? You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11/20/202348 minutes, 59 seconds
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S10 Ep17: The Proffers

This episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Breakdown podcast focuses on the videotaped interviews with Fulton County prosecutors by the four defendants who had struck plea deals.  After the so-called proffers by Sydney Powell, Jenna Ellis, Kenneth Chesebro and Scott Hall became public, the District Attorney's Office called for a sealing of all documents turned over in discovery and suggested one of the 15 remaining defendants was to blame for the leak. During her lengthy interview, Powell gave some remarkable commentary while Ellis recounted a halting discussion she had with a senior White House aide at a 2020 Christmas party. "The Proffers" — Episode 17 of Breakdown's Season 10, "The Trump Indictment" — also covers a court hearing held following the leaked proffers and which included a startling revelation. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11/17/202337 minutes, 40 seconds
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S10 Ep.16: The Fraud Hunters

The latest Breakdown episode includes an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Mark Niesse, who explains the GBI investigation of the data breach in South Georgia’s Coffee County. Niesse, who covers voting for the newspaper, recaps a yearlong investigation into the Jan. 7, 2021, data breach. He summarizes highlights taken from an almost 400-page GBI investigative report, which was recently obtained by the AJC. “The Fraud Hunters” – Episode 16 of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – also covers a recent hearing in which defendant Harrison Floyd’s lawyer said he wants mountainous state and Fulton County voting information to prove that Donald Trump, not President Joe Biden, won the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.  Floyd, the onetime head of Black Voices for Trump, stands indicted for three felony counts stemming from his alleged role in the harassment of poll worker Ruby Freeman. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or your favorite podcasting platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11/9/202342 minutes, 51 seconds
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S10 Ep15: Inside the Ellis Plea Deal

The latest Breakdown episode includes an exclusive interview with the lawyer who represents Jenna Ellis, who once represented former President Donald Trump and who entered a guilty plea in the Fulton County election interference case. Macon attorney Frank Hogue describes how negotiations with Fulton prosecutors transpired before Ellis entered her guilty plea on Oct. 24. She was sentenced to five years on probation and agreed to fully cooperate with prosecutors as the case moves forward. “Inside the Ellis Plea Deal” of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution also reports on defendant Harrison Floyd’s legal strategy and the recent indictment of an Alabama man accused of threatening Fulton District Attorney Fani Willis and Sheriff Patrick Labat. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11/1/202335 minutes, 38 seconds
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S10 Ep.14: Copping a Plea

This Breakdown episode covers the guilty plea hearings of lawyers Kenneth Chesebro and Jenna Ellis, both of whom were charged with former President Donald Trump in the election interference case. Chesebro entered his guilty plea – to a felony – the day after co-defendant Sidney Powell struck her plea deal with Fulton County prosecutors. Four days later, attorney Jenna Ellis entered her own guilty plea, also to a felony. “Copping a Plea” of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution also examines the implications of these deals, in which the defendants have agreed to cooperate with prosecutors. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it above. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10/25/202347 minutes, 34 seconds
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S10 Ep. 13: The Kraken's Released

The latest Breakdown episode covers the surprise guilty plea of lawyer Sidney Powell, who infamously said she would “release the Kraken” when falsely promising she would produce widespread evidence of election fraud.   Powell entered her guilty plea one day before jury selection was to begin. Instead, fellow attorney Kenneth Chesbro, who like Powell filed a speedy trial demand, will stand trial on racketeering and other charges.   “The Kraken’s Released” of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution also explains why an obscure ruling by the Georgia Supreme Court earlier this year means time is of the essence to seat a jury in Chesebro’s case.   You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10/20/202328 minutes, 41 seconds
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S10 Ep. 12: Lights, Camera, Action

When Donald Trump and his co-defendants stand trial for allegedly trying to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election, the public will be able to watch. Fulton County is the only jurisdiction that’s indicted the former president on criminal charges where cameras are allowed in the courtroom.   Episode 12 of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s “Breakdown” podcast — “The Trump Indictment” — features a lively debate between two lawyers who disagree on whether that’s a good idea. Steve Brill founded Court TV and has been a vocal proponent of public access to judicial proceedings. Nick Ackerman is a former Watergate prosecutor who’s an attorney in New York and wrote an essay in the New York Times arguing why cameras in the courtroom could lead to juror and witness intimidation.   The episode will also catch listeners up on the latest developments in the case - from Republicans seeking sanctions against Fulton DA Fani Willis to a peek at the witness list for the upcoming trial of Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcasting platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10/13/202337 minutes, 47 seconds
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S10 Ep.11: Let's Make a Deal

In Episode 11 of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s “Breakdown” podcast — “The Trump Indictment” — we discuss the first plea deal in Fulton County’s wide-ranging election subversion case and what it could mean for the 18 remaining defendants.   In exchange for testifying for the prosecution, Atlanta bail bondsman Scott Hall will remain out of jail. He pled guilty to five misdemeanor counts — less severe than the seven felonies he initially faced. We’ll also dig into the surprise announcement from Donald Trump’s lawyers that they would not try to move his case to federal court.   Atlanta appellate lawyer Andrew Fleischman and defense attorney Rachel Kaufman join us to share their thoughts on the case so far. Follow Breakdown on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10/5/202343 minutes, 55 seconds
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S10 Ep.10: To Remove or not to Remove?

Episode 10 of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast covers two hearings during which lawyers for former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark and three Republican electors try to remove their cases to federal court in Atlanta. The hearings were before U.S. District Court Judge Steve Jones, who recently denied former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows’ bid to remove his case from Fulton County Superior Court. “To Remove or not to Remove?” of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – also covers an interesting pretrial ruling by Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee and a motion by prosecutors asserting that six attorneys representing various defendants in the racketeering case may have conflicts of interest. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcasting platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9/22/202327 minutes, 27 seconds
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S10 Ep.9: Meadows Is Denied

The latest Breakdown episode examines a federal judge’s ruling denying former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows’ bid to remove his case to U.S. District Court in Atlanta. U.S. District Judge Steve Jones released his 49-page order late Friday afternoon, and his findings could be bad news for former President Donald Trump, whose lawyers have said they will also seek to move his case out of Fulton County Superior Court. “Meadows Is Denied” of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution also covers a sometimes contentious court hearing before Judge Scott McAfee, who has scheduled an Oct. 23 trial for lawyers Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell. And, as expected, more and more court motions are being filed with accompanying rulings in the election interference case involving 19 defendants. Follow Breakdown on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcasting platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9/15/202328 minutes, 38 seconds
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S10 Ep.8: Finally, the Report

The eighth episode of Breakdown’s current season by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution digs into the long-awaited report from Fulton County's special purpose grand jury, which spent eight months investigating Donald Trump and his allies.   Learn about the 39 people who the the special grand jurors recommended face criminal charges - including one current and two former U.S. senators - and why some of them ultimately didn't end up in District Attorney Fani Willis' racketeering indictment.   You'll also get an update on how long prosecutors think a criminal trial against the 19 defendants would take and hear what Willis had to say to a congressman who wants to investigate her office.   You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcasting platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9/8/202339 minutes, 8 seconds
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S10 Ep.7: The Architect

The latest episode of Breakdown’s current season by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution contains an exclusive interview with the lawyers for Kenneth Chesebro, one of the 19 defendants charged in the Fulton County racketeering case. Atlanta attorneys Scott Grubman and Manny Arora make state their case as to why they believe charges should not have been brought against their client. Chesebro, a lawyer, has been described as the architect for the slates of alternate electors who cast Electoral College votes for then-President Donald Trump on Dec. 14, 2020. “The Architect” of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – also includes coverage of a press conference by Gov. Brian Kemp and his thoughts about proposals to reprimand District Attorney Fani Willis for obtaining the indictment against Trump and his allies. You can follow the Breakdown podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcasting platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9/7/202336 minutes, 54 seconds
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S10 Ep.6: Meadows’ Gambit

The sixth episode of Breakdown’s current season by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recaps former chief of staff Mark Meadows’ attempt to transfer the sweeping racketeering case to U.S. District Court in Atlanta.   During a daylong hearing, Meadows was the first witness called to the stand. He testified for four hours, including a lengthy cross-examination by special Fulton County prosecutor Anna Cross.   “Meadows’ Gambit” of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – also recounts the strange saga of defendant Harrison Floyd, head of the political group Black Voices for Trump during the 2020 election.   Follow Breakdown on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcasting platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8/31/202338 minutes, 30 seconds
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S10 Ep.5: Trump Surrenders

The latest episode of Breakdown from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recaps former President Donald Trump’s historic surrender at the Fulton County jail. “Trump Surrenders” of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – also recounts a flurry of breaking news in just the past few days: the spectacle of Rudy Giuliani’s surrender, Trump gets a new lawyer, a speedy trial demand is made and District Attorney Fani Willis proposes a new trial date for October. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or your favorite podcasting platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8/25/202329 minutes, 46 seconds
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S10 Ep.4: Show Time at Rice Street

The fourth episode of this season’s Breakdown podcast by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recounts a busy week where lawyers met with prosecutors to get bonds for their clients, including a $200,000 bond for former President Donald Trump. “Show Time at Rice Street” of Breakdown’s Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” – also covers one of the 19 defendants charged in the racketeering case after another surrendering at the Fulton County jail on Rice Street. The episode also includes a roundtable discussion with two Breakdown regulars – former Gwinnett County District Attorney Danny Porter and New York attorney Nick Akerman who is a former federal prosecutor who successfully used racketeering indictments against crime families. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcasting platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8/23/202342 minutes, 38 seconds
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S10 Ep.3: The Chaos Arrives

The third episode of this season’s Breakdown podcast by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution examines the chaotic aftermath of the sweeping racketeering indictment against former President Donald Trump and his 18 co-defendants.   AJC journalists Bill Rankin, Tamar Hallerman, and Shannon McCaffrey explore one attempt — and at least two others that are expected — to move the case from Fulton Superior Court to the U.S. District Court just a few blocks away.   The episode includes reactions from three of the special purpose grand jurors who heard from almost 75 witnesses, recommended charges and collected evidence that was used as the foundation of the racketeering indictment. And it introduces listeners to the 34-year-old judge who was randomly assigned the case.   You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or your favorite podcasting platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8/18/202335 minutes, 36 seconds
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S10 Ep.2: The Enterprise

At the end of a very long day, a Fulton County grand jury returned a 97-page, 41-count indictment against former President Donald Trump and 18 of his allies.   Episode 2 – “The Enterprise” – of Season 10 – “The Trump Indictment” of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast takes a look at the sweeping racketeering indictment and who is charged.   Some of the defendants are extremely well known, such as a former mayor of New York and a former White House chief of staff. But a few others – such as an Atlanta bail bondsman and a Republican strategist – were not on most legal experts’ radar.   This Breakdown episode also looks ahead at what is to come – the surrender of Trump and his 18 co-defendants to Fulton County authorities in the days ahead and possible legal strategies that will come into play.   Follow the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcasting platform.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8/15/202323 minutes, 19 seconds
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S10 Ep.1: How We Got Here

The first episode of the new season of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast will catch listeners up on how Fulton County prosecutors have accumulated evidence against Donald Trump and his allies. ‘How We Got Here’ of Breakdown’s Season 10 – ‘The Trump Indictment’ – also looks ahead as to what kind of indictment a seated grand jury could hand up in the days ahead. It is widely expected that District Attorney Fani Willis will ask the panel to issue a racketeering indictment against Trump and others for alleged criminal interference with the 2020 presidential election. All signs point to charges being brought very soon. Orange barricades have been installed around the Fulton courthouse. Intersections have been blocked off. And local officials have been warned to get ready. Follow the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcasting platform.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8/9/202342 minutes, 16 seconds
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S10 Ep. 0: The Trump Indictment - Coming Wednesday

The barricades around the Fulton County courthouse are up. Intersections are blocked off and officials in Atlanta have been warned to get ready. For more than a year, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and its award-winning podcast Breakdown closely followed the special grand jury that accumulated evidence against former president Donald Trump and his allies for what happened in Georgia follow the 2020 election. Breakdown will turn a new page on Wednesday when we release the premiere episode of Season 10: The Trump Indictment, which will focus on the criminal case.   Any day now, we are expecting a racketeering indictment against the former president, who is leading all of his GOP contenders in race for the 2024 nomination. Overseeing the case is Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. She is an experienced prosecutor who used the state’s racketeering law to convict teachers and educators in one of the most widespread test-cheating scandals in U.S. history. She has also recruited one of the country’s top experts on RICO to join her office and who will almost certainly draft the Trump indictment. Very soon we expect to see Willis’ version of events. So to hear our in-depth report of this historic case, please follow Breakdown on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or your favorite podcasting platform.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8/8/20232 minutes, 6 seconds