Subject: RE: initial discovery production¶
Date: Sat, 01 Aug 2020 21:12:30 +0000¶
Attachments: 2020-07-31,_GM,signed_protective_order(docketed).pdf; 2020-07-28,government_letter_re_protective_order(docketed).pdf; 2020-07-31,_GM,memorandum&_order_granting_government_motion.pdf¶
We wanted to briefly check with you on a couple issues. First, as we’ve previously talked about (though not for some time), now that there is a protective order entered in the Maxwell case, we expect to begin making discovery productions to the defense this coming week. As you know, defense counsel argued that they should be able to publicly identify victims in certain circumstances, which we vigorously opposed, and ultimately the judge ruled in our favor. The protective order is exceptionally strong, and is attached along with the Government’s letter on this issue and the Court’s opinion.¶
As you would expect, some of the discovery we will begin to produce will include information about your clients, including in particular your client who is identified as Victim-2 in the indictment. Those materials may include information such as her name and date of birth, in connection with documents we have gathered, and which require production. Consistent with the protective order, defense counsel may not disclose or distribute any discovery materials except under very strict conditions, and in any event the defendant and counsel “are strictly prohibited from publicly disclosing or disseminating the identity of any victims or witnesses referenced in the Discovery.” To the extent they need to reference the identity of individuals as part of their investigation, e.g., in individual interviews, any potential defense witnesses and counsel are similarly prohibited from further disclosing or disseminating such identifying information. We realize that for¶
But given all the circumstances, as well as the potential applicability to your other clients, we nevertheless did want to let you know that we are beginning to make discovery productions, in an abundance of caution and in the interests of transparency.¶
Additionally, when we make the initial discovery production, with your permission we may advise defense counsel that each victim in the Indictment is represented by counsel, and identify the counsel for each person (i.e., we would identify you as counsel for The reason we would do that would be to preempt attempts at direct contact with represented witnesses by defense counsel or defense investigators. For your client in particular, we note this because¶
- Please let us know if you have a preference on this, and we’re also happy to discuss
it via phone.¶
As always, please do not hesitate to be in touch on any of these issues, we’ll keep you advised of any significant developments, and thanks.¶
EFTA00101890¶