Judge Imposes Full Gag Order On Stone, No Jail (Yet)

Tweets at the bottom are from reporters in the courtroom.

CBS News reports:

Longtime Donald Trump confidant Roger Stone told Judge Amy Berman Jackson he is “heartfully sorry” for an Instagram post on his account depicting the judge and a symbol that resembled crosshairs of a gun.

Stone was ordered to court to explain the post and make his case for why the terms of his release shouldn’t change in light of the Instagram post.

“I’ve been treated for emotional stress,” Stone voluntarily testified, noting his consulting work has been virtually non-existent since his criminal case began. “I can only beseech you to give me a second chance. Forgive me the trespass,” Stone urged the judge.

Judge Jackson also just read from Roger Stone’s financial filings, according to which he makes $47,000 a month as a consultant

— Rachel Weiner (@rachelweinerwp) February 21, 2019

And worth repeating: Roger Stone has repeatedly issued violent threats against his supposed political enemies. Violent rhetoric is a part of his online behavior. https://t.co/W0kAbZS4w2 pic.twitter.com/SMtBQf4XgQ

— Eric Hananoki (@ehananoki) February 21, 2019

I don’t feel bad for Roger Stone who wore a shirt that said HILLARY FOR PRISON all throughout 2016. Boo friggin who.

— Zerlina Maxwell (@ZerlinaMaxwell) February 21, 2019

To Roger Stone’s claim that he did not recognize the image and believed it to be a Celtic symbol, here is another image from Stone’s Instagram account from February 12 in which he writes, “I am in Mueller’s cross hairs.” pic.twitter.com/9QMmYLod3Y

— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) February 21, 2019

Judge Amy Berman Jackson says she’s not convinced that Stone is all talk. Says the post created a very real risk. “These were deliberate choices.” https://t.co/wEN8cw2Umd

— Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) February 21, 2019

Judge says Stone has “decided to pursue a strategy of attacking others.” Says Stone couldn’t keep story straight on the stand. Says Instagram post had a “more sinister message.” Roger Stone, fully understands the power of words and symbols, she says.

— Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) February 21, 2019

JUDGE to STONE: “Thank you, but the apology rings quite hollow.” https://t.co/wEN8cw2Umd

— Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) February 21, 2019

Judge says Stone’s release under current conditions would pose a risk to the public. https://t.co/wEN8cw2Umd

— Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) February 21, 2019

JUDGE: “No, Mr. Stone, I’m not giving you another chance.” Modifying conditions, says Stone cannot speak publicly about the case. https://t.co/wEN8cw2Umd

— Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) February 21, 2019

NOW: The judge is prohibiting Roger Stone from making any public statements about his case, the investigation, or any participants in the investigation. "Period." He will be allowed to solicit funds for his legal defense, and say he's innocent of the charges, but that's it.

— Zoe Tillman (@ZoeTillman) February 21, 2019

If Stone violates this gag order, the judge says she will revoke his bond and detain him pending trial. Stone is getting a second chance, Jackson says, but this is not baseball — there will be no third chance

— Zoe Tillman (@ZoeTillman) February 21, 2019