ALEXANDRIA, Va.— U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III revealed Friday he has received threats, the nature of which he would not detail, and receives protection from U.S. Marshals.
Ellis cited his own experiences during the course of the trial while explaining his rationale for denying a request from a coalition of media organizations to release the names and addresses of the 12-member jury and four alternates.
Ellis told the court during the afternoon hearing that he has received “criticisms and threats” and travels everywhere with U.S. Marshals, who even accompany him to his hotel.
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The judge did not disclose the nature of the threats, saying the Marshals will not let him do so.
“I had no idea this case would excite these emotions, quite frankly,” Ellis said.
Ellis went on to note it is “absolutely clear” that revealing the names of jurors and alternates would “create a risk of harm to them.”
He also warned that had prospective jurors known their personal information would be made available to the public, he doesn’t believe they would have served.
Ellis said he underestimated the amount of public interest in the case.
The group of seven news organizations asked Ellis to unseal various aspects of the case involving Manafort, including the information about the jurors and alternates, transcripts of bench conferences and documents that have been filed.
Manafort is on trial for 18 counts of bank and tax fraud.
[Opinion: In Paul Manafort trial, Judge T.S. Ellis III makes himself the star]
