Ex-Trump attorney Jenna Ellis strikes cooperation deal in Arizona electors case

Former Trump attorney Jenna Ellis on Monday signed a cooperation agreement with Arizona prosecutors in a case involving an alternate elector scheme from the 2020 election.

Ellis was among 18 defendants facing charges in connection with the effort. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced Monday that she had agreed to cooperate with the state in exchange for dropping the charges.

"This agreement represents a significant step forward in our case. I am grateful to Ms. Ellis for her cooperation with our investigation and prosecution," Mayes said. "Her insights are invaluable and will greatly aid the State in proving its case in court. As I stated when the initial charges were announced, I will not allow American democracy to be undermined – it is far too important. Today’s announcement is a win for the rule of law."

Ellis in man reached a plea agreement with Georgia prosecutors in Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis's election case last year. She agreed in May to have her Colorado law license suspended for three years.

Arizona was one of several battleground states that former President Donald Trump lost to President Joe Biden in 2020 that ultimately saw Republicans submit an alternate slate of pro-Trump electors.

Trump has not been indicted in the case, but several of his key allies, including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who pleaded not guilty in May.

John Eastman, the architect of the alternate elector scheme, is also a defendant. He was officially declared ineligible to practice law in California in April.