Federal Judge Grants Access to Rep. Scott Perry's Communications for 2020 Election Probe

Washington D.C. - A federal judge has ruled that federal investigators can access thousands of communications on the cellphone of Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania as part of a special counsel's 2020 election probe. Chief U.S. District Judge John Boasberg's decision allows prosecutors to review 1,659 records from Perry's personal device, including messages related to the Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021, and communications about procedures under the Electoral Count Act. Perry had previously argued that the Speech and Debate clause of the Constitution protected his cellphone records, but the court ruled against him. Despite Perry's claims, the judge ordered the majority of the contested records to be disclosed to the government, with restrictions on communications deemed essential to Perry's legislative duties. The ruling comes as special counsel Jack Smith pursues a criminal trial against former President Donald Trump for his alleged efforts to resist the transfer of power in 2020. The former president's legal proceedings are currently on hold as claims of presidential immunity from prosecution are considered. Earlier, former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson testified before a House select committee that Perry had expressed support for encouraging people to march to the Capitol on January 6.