The Justice Department, under President Donald Trump's administration, has decided to halt the case against his former co-defendants in the classified documents investigation initiated by former special counsel Jack Smith. This move includes ceasing an appeal by Smith to reinstate criminal charges against Trump's employees and defend the attorney general's authority to appoint special prosecutors.
Last year, a federal judge dismissed the case against Walt Nauta, Trump's valet, and Carlos De Oliveira, a property manager at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate. Recent reports indicated that Trump was not considering pardoning Nauta and De Oliveira, as it might imply guilt.
The Justice Department's decision aligns with the wishes of the co-defendants and signifies one of the final steps in resolving the criminal cases against Trump. Charges against Trump himself were dropped after he assumed the presidency.
In 2023, Smith charged all three men as part of an investigation into Trump's alleged mishandling of classified information during his initial presidential term. However, the case was dismissed by district Judge Aileen Cannon, who ruled that Smith's appointment by then-Attorney General Merrick Garland was unconstitutional.
Nauta was accused of aiding Trump in concealing classified documents and providing false information to investigators. De Oliveira faced charges of collaborating with Trump and Nauta to obstruct the investigation by attempting to delete security footage from Mar-a-Lago.
Both Nauta and De Oliveira pleaded not guilty to the obstruction charges. The appeals court is yet to approve the Justice Department's request to end the case, bringing a potential conclusion to this high-profile legal saga.
