All Rights Reserved. Griffin also met with then-President Donald Trump on Sept. 12, 2019. He is a pastor, a Republican and the son of a former commissioner in Catron County, New Mexico. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd called the suspect a bad rapper and also compared him to a "baby" at a news conference. Dewey is from Windom, Minnesota . The motion said Couy Griffin "has publicly expressed views and opinions which have incited threats of violence" to his ex-wife and son. But, he hasnt revealed the identity of his son. "There's nothing illegal about that You feel clearheaded now?" I guess one needs to ask whats in this for the Chairman of Otero County GOP? The hearing continued for about an hour after Griffin exited the hearing. Griffin deniedthe allegations claiming they were"frivolous and devoid of merit," court records state. While Griffin was present at the hearing, he was able to answer to the allegations against him and rebut Committee To Recall CouyGriffin President Paul Sanchez. Sign up for our free Daily Headlines newsletter Your . The day-long trial is also expected to feature video footage of the January 14, 2021 meeting of the Otero County commissioners, where Griffin addressed his involvement in the Capitol attack. Otero Countys financial director told AG investigators that, following a records request for the vouchers and several complaints from citizens, Griffin voluntarily opted to pay the entire $3,237.48 back to Otero County, court records state. The decision interrupts a string of adverse legal decisions for Griffin, who remains barred from elected office under a judges decision upheld by the New Mexico Supreme Court in February. The testimony resolves a mystery over Pences precise location during the attack, which defense attorneys for Griffin had sought to exploit and won permission from a federal judge in Washington to probe with a live Secret Service witness over the Justice Departments objections. Griffins attorney also said state campaign finance regulators were biased and singled out Cowboys for Trump for enforcement. Couy Griffin Net Worth Couy Griffin has an estimated Net Worth of $1Million in 2022. Who Is Cowboys for Trump Founder Couy Griffin? - Newsweek Couy Griffin Wikipedia And Age That's what Otero County's District 2 Commissioner Couy Griffin alleged at a May 17 gathering in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Aug. 14Cowboys for Trump founder Couy Griffin will face off in court Monday against three New Mexicans who argue in a lawsuit that he should be removed from his post as an Otero County commissioner for participating in an insurrection against the United States. I got a better idea, why dont you go back to Africa and form your little football teams over in Africa and you can play on a(n) old beat-out dirt lot and you can play your Black national anthem there. (Griffin is the founder of a group called Cowboys for Trump, which has been promoted by the former president. The board ultimately certified the election on a 2-1 vote with Griffin casting the lone no vote. It is their calling by God that established this ministry. But legal experts say the ruling in New Mexico is significant nonetheless especially if it holds up. You may opt out at anytime. While the decision of a state court isnt binding elsewhere, New York Universitys Daniel Hemel noted, it could embolden similar efforts to disqualify people from office with more direct ties to the insurrection up to and including Trump. I use very sharp words, dripping with sarcasm but in person, I would do anything for anyone regardless of their politics. Couy Griffin (@CowboyCouy) / Twitter I dont know but I will find out. 1 dead, 1 hospitalized after shooting on East Central. Judge Trevor McFadden served as a top Justice Department official in the Trump administration before the Senate confirmed him in 2017 to the federal trial court in Washington, DC. Griffinrequested for the case to be dismissed and if it was not dismissed then he filed a demand for a jury trial in the case. Ivey-Soto requested that the stamp on the facepage of the petition not be affixed until the sixth day following the April 8 hearing unless Griffin files the appeal. Griffin told The Associated Press hes had to make sacrifices for his beliefs and didnt think it was fair that the court will keep his son away from him. Subscribe now to access decluttered news, chosen by you. Lewis Capaldi handled himself like a true pro, simply backing away from the mic and hanging on to the stand while his fans took the lead. . Griffin invoked free speech protections in declining to register and disclose the donors to Cowboys for Trump and expressed concern that financial contributors might be harassed. Griffin chose to drive his own personal diesel-fueled pickup truck with large C4T stickers on the drivers and passenger side doors, court records state. South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh has been found guilty on all four counts in connection with the 2021 murders of his wife and son. The verdict from a 12-member jury capped a two-day trial in Alamogordo, the community where Griffin served as an Otero County commissioner until he was banished from office last year for his role in the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. I did nothing violent on that day, I broke nothing, I didnt fight with anybody, Griffin has told the court in a pretrial hearing. The extent of his criminal activity is the subject of this investigation.. The verdict gave the Department of Justice a second win . Updated: March 23, 2022 - 2:43 PM Published: January 6, 2022 - 1:40 PM ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Couy Griffin, Cowboys for Trump founder and Otero County commissioner, was arrested last year for his. He began his career in Wild West shows and worked in Paris from 2000 to 2005. "He had as much right to due process as we do and the judge very much made it clear and afforded him that right. The Associated Press was the first private sector organization in the U.S. to operate on a national scale. No sir. Judge bars Cowboys for Trump leader from son over posts A jury will consider this week whether the support group Cowboys for Trump and cofounder Couy Griffin violated state election law by failing to register as a political organization without filing related public financial disclosures. Couy rarely would make headlines before his arrest. Griffin said in a text message that he felt blessed to be judged by a jury of peers in his home community and has never felt as vindicated.. The hearing was held in the old Otero County Commission Chambers in the Otero County Courthouse across the street from the Otero County Administration Building. No we could have a 2nd Amendment rally on those same steps that we had that rally yesterday. But he found that Griffins actions met the standard set forth by the 14th Amendment, citing Griffins violent rhetoric and evidence of his actions at the Capitol. Griffin has five calendar days to file an appeal to the New Mexico Supreme Court. But the judge greenlighted a request from Griffin's defense lawyers to question a Secret Service agent about a lingering question around the events of January 6: the location of then-Vice President Mike Pence. Oliver, the Alamogordo Chamber of commerce Executive Director, were the basis of an investigation. Olivers office initially prevailed in a June 2020 arbitration decision that ordered Cowboys for Trump to register as a political committee, file expenditure and contribution reports and pay a fine of $7,800. Here is the entire draft filing he's going to hit them with. Trump cowboy found not guilty of campaign finance charge Although Griffin's trip to Washington, D.C. in September 2019 was initially for the proper reason of attending a regional county . Also worth weighing here, Hemel noted, is whether disqualification is an appropriate remedy. But she "did not take her minor child to war with her" as Couy Griffin is doing by taking their son to President Donald Trump campaign events during a pandemic, the attorneys said. You want to say that was violence? Testifying under oath Monday, Secret Service Inspector Lanelle R. Hawa confirmed that the secure location to which Pence was evacuated at 2:26 p.m. from the Senate chamber was a loading dock under the Senate plaza connected to the Capitol via the attached underground Capitol visitor center. The Court concludes that Mr. Griffins crossing of barricades to approach the Capitol were overt acts in support of the insurrection, as Griffins presence closer to the Capitol building increased the insurrectionists intimidation by numbers, wrote Mathew, who was appointed to the bench by former Republican Gov. FILE - In this March 12, 2019, file photo, Otero County Commissioner and Cowboys for Trump founder Coy Griffin denounces gun control and pro-abortion rights bills in the New Mexico State Legislature at a protest outside the Statehouse in Santa Fe, N.M. A January 6-related trial began Monday in the case of "Cowboys for Trump" founder Couy Griffin. In July 2020, a check from a bank account for Cowboys for Trump was sent to Griffin's ex-wife for child support. In a Jan. 14, 2021, county commission meeting, Griffin said that he knew Mike Pence had certified a fraudulent election before he walked toward the Capitol grounds, and that he was part of a crowd that just pushed through plastic mesh fencing securing the inauguration area, albeit toward the back. Miller, a public defender, said Griffin's intention was to speak boldly and openly about common sense convictions and national pride without yielding to government control through the regulation of nonprofit groups. ", Get caught up:Otero Commissioners to discuss calls for resignation of Couy Griffin on Thursday. Griffin, a county commissioner in New Mexico, is the second accused participant in the Capitol attack to go to trial on January 6-related charges. And while circumstances might make that difficult to replicate, its nonetheless a historic marker of what transpired 20 months ago. Mike Pence's whereabouts on Jan. 6 confirmed during trial of Couy You can learn a lot about someone by the actions they take, not the words they use. Griffin was convicted in federal court of a misdemeanor for entering restricted U.S. Capitol grounds on Jan. 6 without going inside the building. Supporters of President Donald Trump broke into the building, forcing the evacuation of Congress and Pence as they met to certify the electoral college results. The regular Otero County Commission meeting that had begun at 9 a.m. and was still underway into the afternoon had recessed to allow him to attend the hearing. A Senate Judiciary Committee report stated that Mastriano and his wife took part in the January 6 insurrection, with video footage confirming that they passed through breached barricades and police lines at the U.S. Capitol. (Mastriano has said he never entered the Capitol itself, and he has been charged with no crimes.). Griffin left Sept. 7, 2019, and stopped off in New York City on Sept. 11, 2019, where he rode horseback while at Times Square, court records state. The dismissed charge against Griffin carried a potential punishment of up to a year in prison and a $1,000 fine. A copy of the check was included in the warrant packet. A Luna County man was arrested Monday for allegedly beating his older brother to death while he slept at their home outside of Deming. News, Politics, Culture, and more in realtime. Lets not forget that free food from ranchers too. Couy gotarrestedon 17 January 2021 incharge of his connection in the riots at the U.S. Capitol. Couy Griffin Wiki, Age, Wife, Parents, Career, Net Worth The ruling comes after lawyers for Griffins ex-wife, Kourtnie, filed an emergency motion in May to modify their custody and visitation agreement. A jury will consider this week whether the support group . The State Auditor was notified of the voucher and launched an investigation. Prosecutors have said that Pence remained at the Capitol complex during the relevant period. Otero County GOP Chairman Amy Smith Barela (ahhhh. On Monday, federal prosecutors displayed video footage in McFadden's courtroom showing Griffin climbing a makeshift ramp as he approached the Capitol. Manage the news you want to see, read exclusive content and explore other subscriber benefits. Guilty: 'Cowboys for Trump Founder Couy Griffin Convicted in - Insider Why on earth would someone put their reputation on the line for a person who is being exposed as a fraud and financial scammer? Representatives from the Otero County Clerk's Office were at the hearing, including attorney Daniel Ivey-Soto who was appearing on behalf of the County Clerk' Office. Last year, he became the first elected official to be banished from elected office in connection with the attack on the U.S. Capitol building, which disrupted Congress as it was trying to certify President Joe Bidens 2020 election victory. No Maam, Griffin said in a video recorded Jan. 7 cited in government filings. He had a son with her, who currently lives with her. Griffin appeared at the hearing telephonically. Arrieta was assigned to the recall case after all of the 12th Judicial District judges recused themselves. Indeed, Griffin has been that talk of the town since the news of his arrest swirled in the media. Here are 13 more things about Couy: Deputies arrest man in attempted robbery that led to Bernalillo County deputies arrested a man Bernalillo County deputies arrested a man in an armed robbery-turned-gunfight that left his alleged accomplice dead last year in Southwest Albuquerque. A New Mexico judge on Tuesday removed Otero County commissioner Couy Griffin by invoking the 14th Amendments prohibition on those who engaged in insurrection from serving in office. Couy Griffins career background is not sufficiently transparent as his bio cannot be found on Wikipedia. Now he has regrets., In middle of Jan. 6 riot, Oath Keepers chief reached out to Proud Boys, Kyle Kuzma, Wizards start fast and dont look back in win over Raptors, Nationals relievers see benefit in tinkering with new pitches, Roger Goodell, Muriel Bowser discussed future of RFK site in December call, Betrayal: The Final Act of the Trump Show,, 163 Republicans who have embraced Trumps false claims are running for statewide positions that would give them authority over the administration of elections. The Washington Post has reported that at least 163 Republicans who have embraced Trumps false claims are running for statewide positions that would give them authority over the administration of elections. 86. Karl, ABCs chief Washington correspondent, said last November in promoting his new book, Betrayal: The Final Act of the Trump Show, that he had seen images taken by a White House photographer with Pence that day showing where he, his wife, Karen, and daughter Charlotte Pence Bond waited out the Capitol breach. Couy Griffin is a white man from Tularosa, Otero County, New Mexico, United States. How about that? Griffin said in the video. The decision interrupts a string of adverse legal decisions for Griffin, who remains barred from elected office under a judge's decision upheld by the New Mexico Supreme Court in February. The second amended complaint against Griffin is 141 pages long and alleges failed to meet his duties as a public servant, including missing regular Otero County meetings. Unlike that trial, which featured felony charges, Griffin was accused only of misdemeanor offenses. Pence spent Jan. 6 at underground Senate loading dock, Secret Service confirms, QAnon Shaman stays in jail as judge slams his arguments: So frivolous as to insult the Courts intelligence, He kicked back in Pelosis office on Jan. 6. Kourtnie served in the US military and is a war Veteran. Arrietaexplained that this case does not warrant a jury trial since the April 8 hearing was most likely to be the only hearing in the case and that a verdict was not to be administered and if a recall petition is successful and a recall election imminent, then the voters of Otero County's District 2 would be the jury. Advocates for that approach now have a victory under their belts, though. (Gemunu Amarasinghe / AP), Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. Cowboys for Trump co-founder Couy Griffin was found not guilty Wednesday of a misdemeanor charge of failing to register a political committee at a trial in southern New Mexico . Couy Griffin Career Griffin was found taking active participation in the 2021 US Capitol riots and was arrested for the same on 8th January 2021. The Otero County commissioner is facing charges for his alleged role in the January insurrection at the. We proceeded and the judge found for us.". Their teams in over 100 countries tell the worlds stories, from breaking news to investigative reporting. Griffins actions have been selfish and place the minor child at risk, in addition to his ex-wifes unborn child, Rosner said. Cowboys for Trump co-founder Couy Griffin was found not guilty Wednesday of a misdemeanor charge of failing to register a political committee at a trial in southern New Mexico. maybe thats the Freudian Slip Couy made when setting up @Baredown C4T FB page, well at least thats better than sister), will tout how Couy, C4T and the GOP are protecting the Constitution. The motion said Couy Griffin "has publicly. Couy Griffin, who was charged for breaching the Capitol grounds on Jan. 6, is disappointed the former president didn't follow through on his promise to jail Hillary Clinton. New Mexico Supreme Court: Juveniles who plead can appeal adult sentences, Colorado State slices up Lobos; UNM is a 6 seed in league tourney, If it MUST be the NIT, UNM basketball has a plan, After bill was vetoed last year, lawmakers try again to boost pay of NM judges, Gun safe storage bill inches closer to governor's desk after winning Senate approval. I will not be intimidated, I will not be threatened, and I sure as Hell wont back down!! If convicted, Griffin faces up to a year in prison on each of the two charges against him: trespassing and disorderly conduct on restricted Capitol grounds. Couy isAmericanby nationality as he is a native of New Mexico. Kourtnie Griffin, an Iraqi war veteran, understands "passions for God and country" and believes her ex-husband has a right to express his views, her lawyers said. General Flynn is suing the federal government for $50 million. Griffins disqualification from office is not only retroactive to Jan. 6, 2021; he is also barred for life from holding any civil or military office in the future. The judge said the jury has till 10 tonight to come to a verdict or it will be called a mistrial. Note: This photo has been removed from the White House Flickr page. If you find yourself getting wet over an elected official you are no longer using your mind or good senses. He also required to complete community service. Griffin never complied with the agreement. Who is Couy Griffin? Cowboys for Trump . Griffin was present at the hearing for for about 45 minutesbefore he excused himself and returned to the Otero County Commission meeting. The former Disneyland rodeo cowboy once rode down New York's Sixth Avenue wearing the furs of bobcats and coyotes he trapped and skinned, brandishing an American flag. Cowboys for Trump Founder Turns on Trump Over Capitol Riot Charges In addition to those legal arguments, the Justice Department asserted that pinpointing Pence's precise location on January 6 would jeopardize the continuing security of future vice presidents, including Vice President Kamala Harris. (Griffin did not immediately respond to a request for comment. So, weve not sufficient information about his parents and siblings. "It is not intended for simple disagreements and so the judge having made the decision, there's a process that we must follow now and part of that is whether or not Commissioner Griffin decides to file an appeal. They provide content and services to help engage audiences worldwide, working with companies of all types, from broadcasters to brands. In a reversal, Biden said he would sign a resolution blocking a D.C. effort to reduce penalties for violent crimes. With Struck on the stand, prosecutors played one video in which Griffin recounted members of the pro-Trump mob spilling over barriers outside the Capitol. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Magliocca said the issue could arise in a number of ways moving forward and is ripe for the Supreme Court to litigate before Trump might run for and potentially win the presidency in 2024. Conlee set up the original Cowboys for Trump GoFundMe page, court records show. When local Republican Party Leadership will openly attack average (ie not running for office) citizens to silence their criticism of their elected official we have a HUGE problem inside that party. In my next musing I will explore Couys court records more thoroughly. He also said that, if appealed, it could give the Supreme Court an opportunity to weigh in on this question without directly deciding on a case involving Trump. Any further details regarding Kourtnie have not been disclosed yet. It would be helpful if they would take this opportunity to rule really for the first time what Section 3 means.. Pastor Dewey and his wife, Sharon founded FGGAM in August of 2012. Griffin, who was convicted of a federal misdemeanor in March for his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol . Couy Griffin is a political figure who served as County Commissioner of Otero County, New Mexico from 2019 until she was removed from her position on Tuesday, 6 September 2022. They said Griffin was a politician in his own right who clearly advocated for Trump while the president was a candidate for reelection, and that Griffin also promoted political positions on border enforcement, gun rights, abortion and more. The Otero County Clerk's Office, although not a participant in the recall proceedings, is interested to ensure that, if a recall is triggered, it is done in an orderly and clear fashion "so the voters are clear on the process," Ivey-Soto said. Prosecutors rested their case after Hawas testimony, but McFadden called her to return Tuesday morning. In closing arguments Wednesday, prosecutors argued that Griffin used Cowboys for Trump to explicitly link political advocacy to appeals for online donations while flouting registration and financial disclosure requirements for political committees. Couy Griffin biography: 13 things about Cowboys for Trump founder from All Rights Reserved. Professionally, Kourtnie is an Iraqi war veteran. In a written closing statement in court, he had argued that he had been at the Capitol to lobby vice president Mike Pence to not certify the election results, and that, In no way does that pertain to nor support insurrection/rebellion, reported the Albuquerque Journal. . Couy Griffin Wiki Bio: Wife, Married, Age, Son, Net Worth, Family What now? As per the United States District Courts affidavit for the District, he was arrested for violating the law, entering the restricted building without lawful authority. Nothing is more foul and disgusting than hero worship. Instead, he waived trial by jury and bet his freedom on a bench trial before McFadden, who Trump appointed to the federal bench in 2017. "The Committee to Recall Couy Griffin is very pleased that we have been found with probable cause, no less for all five of the allegations we presented.". (Berger was later seated after his espionage conviction was overturned.). Mr. Published: Monday, February 15th, 2021 at 10:05PMUpdated: Monday, February 15th, 2021 at 10:13PM. There is an uncomfortable irony when, in the aftermath of that attack, we purport to defend democracy by using the judicial process to deprive voters of their choice of leader. Trump cowboy found not guilty of campaign finance charge Since early 2020, Griffin has resisted pressure to register the group as a political committee, including filing an unsuccessful petition with the 10th District Court of Appeals. The text of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment states (key parts bolded): The last time elected officials were disqualified from office using the 14th Amendment appears to be 1869, shortly after the Civil War and the ratification of the 14th Amendment. The ruling comes after lawyers for Griffin's ex-wife, Kourtnie, filed an emergency motion in May to modify their custody and visitation agreement. How Republicans became the party of Trumps election lie after Jan. 6, It is wild to see that he was in a loading dock in an underground parking garage beneath the Capitol complex, Karl said during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. There was no place to sit, no desk, no chairs, nothing.. The judge in the case, District Judge Francis J. Mathew, was unsparing in ruling that Griffin is disqualified from office. SANTA FE, N.M. -. In Greenes case, she was forced to testify, but ultimately was not disqualified. They want to talk about playing a Black national anthem before football games? Cowboys for Trump founder, Couy Griffin: 'The only good Democrat is a Oh, the furs and clothing, nope sorry Couy dont pay for clothing either, my bad. Couy Griffin Wife, Children Griffin is currently single, he was previously married to his girlfriend Kourtnie A Gates, but they were divorced in 2019. More:Griffin gets guns back, but only at home, Although Griffin's trip to Washington, D.C. in September 2019 was initially for the proper reason of attending a regional county commissioners conference, the reason stated on a travel voucher submitted by Griffin was "meeting with President.". "On the decision, I am obviously very pleased," Sanchez said. Couy Griffin has been reported as one of the men involved in the riots at the U.S. Capitol that occurred on January 6, 2021.