Political consultant Roger Stone has detailed his 2019 arrest and subsequent jail stay, recounting interactions with fellow detainees and asserting claims of juror bias in his case connected to the Russian interference investigation.
Stone, a long-time ally of former President Donald Trump, shared these recollections on the "Hang Out with Sean Hannity" podcast. He described being held in a facility in Miramar, Florida, after his early morning arrest. Stone stated that he received peanut butter sandwiches from three African American men with whom he shared a holding cell, and discussed with them what he characterized as the negative impacts of the 1994 crime bill on their communities.
"By the time I left, they were chanting 'Roger Stone did nothing wrong,'" Stone claimed.
Stone was one of several associates of President Trump convicted on charges stemming from Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. He was found guilty on seven counts, including lying to Congress, witness tampering, and obstructing a congressional investigation.
Allegations of Juror Bias
Stone specifically accused his jury of bias, citing an instance where a juror, who he claims initially stated unfamiliarity with him, had allegedly posted negative comments about both Stone and President Trump on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. According to Stone, these posts included statements such as "Anyone who supports Donald Trump is a racist." He contended that the judge refused to grant a new trial despite these allegations, stating it was not evidence of bias.
"Every lawyer across the board said, ‘This would entitle Stone to a new trial,’" Stone said. "The judge would not allow a new trial."
He also raised concerns about judicial unfairness, asserting that the judge did not permit him to present a "reasonable defense" concerning accusations related to WikiLeaks and election interference.
Arraignment and Public Appearance
Stone also discussed his decision to wear leg shackles during his arraignment and to exit the courthouse through the front door. He stated that he requested the leg shackles be put on, wanting "the world to see what you're doing." Similarly, he opted to leave through the front entrance rather than a back exit offered by his lawyer, telling Sean Hannity, "I want you to put them on because I want the world to see what you're doing... No, we're not doing that. We're going out the front door."
Stone concluded his account by explaining that after exiting, he raised his hands, intending to convey resilience, telling Hannity, "You must show them they didn’t break you."