Trump co-defendants from Chicago area turn themselves in at Fulton County Jail

booking photos of Chicago area defendants
From left, publicist Trevian Kutti and Lutheran pastor Stephen C. Lee pose for booking photos at the Fulton County Jail on August 25, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo credit Fulton County Sheriff, through Getty Images

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- They didn't get as much attention this week as their co-defendant -- former president Donald Trump -- but two people with Chicago ties surrendered to authorities in Georgia to face charges in the Fulton County election fraud case.

Both Orland Park pastor Stephen C. Lee and Chicago publicist Trevian Kutti posted 10 percent of their $75,000 bonds Friday after their arrivals at the jail. All 19 defendants had until noon to present themselves to authorities.

Lee was charged for allegedly traveling to the home of Fulton County election worker Ruby Freeman “with intent to influence her testimony.” Kutti also allegedly visited Freeman and told her she was sent by a “high profile individual” before threatening her with arrest if she didn’t comply.

Freeman and her daughter Shaye Moss testified to Congress last year about how Trump and his allies latched onto surveillance footage from November 2020 to accuse both women of committing voter fraud. The allegations were quickly debunked, yet spread widely across conservative media.

Both women, who are Black, faced death threats after the election.

Trump and his co-defendants are accused of participating in a wide-ranging illegal scheme to overturn Georgia results of the 2020 presidential election.

The case filed under Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO, is sprawling, and the logistics of bringing it to trial are likely to be complicated. Legal maneuvering by several of those charged has already begun.

Contributing: Associated Press

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Fulton County Sheriff, through Getty Images