By Kara Scannell, CNN
Federal prosecutors in New York have asked a judge to inquire about potential conflicts of interest in their case against an employee of Tom Barrack, a former adviser to then-President Donald Trump who is facing federal foreign lobbying charges.
Matthew Grimes, an assistant to Barrack at his company Colony Capital, was charged along with Barrack in July with acting as a back channel for the United Arab Emirates to influence US policy during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and his time in office. Prosecutors with the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York are now raising questions about potential conflicts of interest after learning that Grimes’ co-defendant and former boss is paying his legal fees.
In a letter to the judge on Thursday, the prosecutors advised that they had recently learned about the fee arrangement, in which Barrack “has agreed to advance Grimes’ legal fees.” They asked the judge to inquire with Grimes whether he understands the potential conflict of interest, including whether his’ lawyer will provide the best legal advice for him or for Barrack, who is paying his bill.
“The Fees Agreement, which was executed after the defendants were arrested has the potential to affect defense counsel’s advice, including (1) whether to seek possible leniency by cooperating with the government against Barrack (the party who is paying his legal fees), and (2) whether Grimes should testify in his own defense at trial, where such...
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