Judge denies Fulton County's request to return 2020 ballots seized by FBI
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- A federal judge in Georgia denied Fulton County's motion to return ballots and election materials seized by the FBI in a 2024 court-authorized search related to the 2020 election.
- Judge Jean-Paul Boulee found the FBI affidavit had some defects and misleading statements but ruled these did not demonstrate a "callous disregard" for the county's rights or justify returning the materials.
- The FBI investigation focuses on potential violations of federal laws against voter intimidation and improper retention of election records, with the affidavit alleging ongoing issues as recent as 2024.
- Fulton County argued the search violated their constitutional rights and that the statute of limitations had expired, but the judge rejected these claims, emphasizing the need to apply seizure laws evenly despite the unprecedented nature of the case.
- The investigation originated from a referral by Kurt Olsen, a controversial figure linked to efforts to overturn the 2020 election, and Fulton County is also contesting a Justice Department grand jury subpoena seeking information on 2020 election workers.
