Saying that his lawyer is irreparably conflicted, the Special Counsel’s office argued that Walt Nauta, Trump’s co-defendant in the federal documents case, should be advised so he can find a new lawyer to ensure he receives the full, competent benefit of counsel. Stanley Woodward has previously represented Trump Employee 4, independently identified as Mar-a-Lago IT director Yuscil Taveras, whom the Special Counsel describes as “a significant witness at trial.” Woodward also worked for unidentified “Witness 1.”
The Special Counsel seeks a Garcia hearing to advise Nauta of possible conflicts of interest his lawyer may have that may prevent the lawyer from fully and competently defending his client. Woodward has been a Trump-paid lawyer for a number of people attached to Trump’s various legal cases. Taveras ditched Woodward after a conference with an independent lawyer raised doubts about Woodward’s loyalties.
“Mr. Woodward has also acknowledged that his ethical obligations may constrain his ability to discredit Trump Employee 4 or Witness 1 in closing arguments,” the Special Counsel argues in its effort to advise Nauta. “Nauta should therefore be fully apprised of that possibility, as well as the possibility that Mr. Woodward may hold back in discrediting Trump Employee 4 or Witness 1 to ensure he complies with his obligations as a member of the D.C. bar.”