BREAKING: Roger Stone Speaks After Court Appearance

  |  
Jan 25, 2019

Roger Stone, a longtime ally of President Donald J. Trump, spoke to reporters after his arrest at the hands of the FBI Friday morning.

Stone was formally indicted for one count of obstruction of an official proceeding, five counts of false statements, and one count of witness tampering in federal court in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was released on $250,000 bond.

“As I have always said, the only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about,” Stone told reporters amidst booing from protestors. “The charges today relate in no way to Russian collusion, Wikileaks collaboration, or any other illegal act in connection with the 2016 campaign.”

“I am falsely accused of making false statements during my testimony to the House Intelligence Committee,” he continued. “That is incorrect. Any error I made in my testimony would be both immaterial, and without intent. I find it disturbing that the Special Counsel’s office would release a press release prior to informing me that I would be charged today.

Stone said that he will plead not guilty to the charges, and reiterated his support for Trump.

“There is no circumstance whatsoever in which I will bear false witness against the President,” Sone reiterated.

Stone said that he will be appearing for an arraignment in Washington, D.C. next week. Stone and his attorney both denounced the early morning “spectacle” at his home this morning, when 29FBI agents and 17 vehicles showed up at his door before dawn to arrest him. This is not normally the case for white collar crimes.

When asked by a reporter if he was hoping for a pardon if convicted, Stone responded by saying, “The only person I’ve advocated a pardon for is Marcus Garvey.”

According to CBS, Stone wore handcuffs and waist shackles during his court appearance. He will only be able to fly between New York City, Washington, D.C., and Florida.

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