By Steve Neavling
The Secret Service quietly prepared for the potential that Donald Trump could be jailed for repeatedly violating a gag order in his hush money trial.
The agency discussed the possibility in meetings, ABC News reports.
Prosecutors told Judge Juan Merchan last week that they are seeking a fine, rather than short-term confinement, for Trump continuing to violate the gag order.
“We are not yet seeking an incarceratory penalty,” assistant district attorney Chris Conroy said, “But the defendant seems to be angling for that.”
Trump is on trial on 34 felony counts alleging he falsified New York business records related to hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
In a statement, the Secret Service wouldn’t comment on specific contingency plans for Trump.
“Under federal law, the United States Secret Service must provide protection for current government leaders, former Presidents and First Ladies, visiting heads of state and other individuals designated by the President of the United States,” the agency said in a statement. “For all settings around the world, we study locations and develop comprehensive and layered protective models that incorporate state of the art technology, protective intelligence and advanced security tactics to safeguard our protectees. Beyond that, we do not comment on specific protective operations.”
Prosecutors said Trump violated the gag order at least 10 different times.
You don’t need protection if you are sitting alone in your cell.