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Arizona's 'fake electors': 11 of 18 defendants appear in court Tuesday, plead not guilty

The list includes some big names like state Sen. Anthony Kern and former GOP chair Kelli Ward.

PHOENIX — Tuesday marked the first court appearance for 11 of the 18 defendants facing charges in connection with Arizona's "fake electors" scheme.

All 11 defendants, including some big names like former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, Arizona state Sen. Anthony Kern and former AZGOP chair, Kelli Ward, pleaded not guilty.

VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: ‘Electores falsos’ de Arizona: 11 de los 18 acusados aparecen en corte el martes, declarándose no culpables

Giuliani will be required to appear in person in Arizona for further booking within 30 days and to post a $10,000 secured appearance bond.

The alleged scheme was an illegally coordinated attempt by Trump's allies to overturn his defeat in Arizona's 2020 presidential election, potentially erasing the ballots cast by 1.7 million people.

RELATED: 'Nobody is above the law': AG's office serves Giuliani with 'fake electors' summons outside Florida birthday party

Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes obtained indictments last month against 18 people involved in the plan on nine felony counts each of forgery, fraud and conspiracy.

While most arraignments were originally set to happen in person, several defendants shifted to instead appear virtually. All 11 defendants are set to return to court in early July for their first pretrial hearing.

These are the defendants who were arraigned May 21:

Rudy Giuliani, who appeared virtually, pleaded not guilty during the arraignment.

State Sen. Anthony Kern, a Republican candidate for Congress in the West Valley’s Eighth District. Kern is the only fake elector who has publicly lashed out, accusing Mayes and Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs of plotting to send him to jail. Kern was present at the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Kern entered a not-guilty plea at his arraignment.

Kelli Ward, Arizona Republican Party chair from 2019 until 2023. Ward acted as a go-between for the Trump White House in its pressure campaign to overturn Arizona’s presidential vote in 2020. Ward pleaded not guilty.

Michael Ward, husband of Kelli Ward who also was a flight surgeon with the Arizona Air National Guard. Ward pleaded not guilty.

Tyler Bowyer, Turning Point USA internet personality and Republican National Committeeman from Arizona. In February, Bowyer failed to persuade the Republican National Committee to cover the fake electors’ legal bills. Bowyer, who appeared virtually, pleaded not guilty.

Robert Montgomery, former chairman of the Cochise County Republican Committee. Montgomery testified before the Arizona grand jury in late March, according to a news report. Montgomery pleaded not guilty and was appointed a public defender.

Samuel Moorehead, second vice chair of the Gila County Arizona Republican Party. Moorehead pleaded not guilty.

Gregory Safsten, former executive director of the Arizona Republican Party. He is a former deputy chief of staff for Republican Congressman Andy Biggs of Gilbert and was a legislative director for former GOP Congressman Matt Salmon of Mesa. Safsten was appointed a public defender as he entered a not-guilty plea.

Nancy Cottle, member of the non-existent "Electoral College of Arizona" on documents that purported to represent the 11 Arizona electoral votes cast for President Donald Trump. Cottle appeared virtually and pleaded not guilty.

Christina Bobb, a Trump campaign lawyer who worked closely with Giuliani according to the indictment. She helped to organize the fake elector voting event in December. Bobb pleaded not guilty.

Loraine Pellegrino, member of the non-existent "Electoral College of Arizona" on documents that purported to represent the 11 Arizona electoral votes cast for President Donald Trump. Pellegrino, who appeared virtually, pleaded not guilty.

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