An independent arbiter known as a “special master” will be appointed to review evidence gleaned from search warrants that targeted Rudy Giuliani and his associates last month, a judge ordered Friday.
The special master will review the material to determine what information can be used by prosecutors and what should remain hidden because of attorney-client privilege.
“The Court agrees that the appointment of a special master is warranted here to ensure the perception of fairness,” Manhattan federal Judge Paul Oetken wrote in the order.
Federal authorities seized a total of 18 devices from Giuliani when they executed a search warrant at his Manhattan apartment and office on April 28.
The feds also took one device from Washington, DC-area attorney Victoria Toensing, a close associate of Giuliani.
Police set up barricades outside Rudy Giuliani’s Manhattan apartment after the FBI executed a search warrant, on April 28, 2021. Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty ImagesAuthorities are investigating if Giuliani failed to register as a foreign agent while working with Ukrainians to dig up dirt on President Donald Trump’s political opponents, including Joe Biden and his family members.
In a court filing earlier this month, Giuliani’s attorney accused the feds of treating him like a “terrorist” or drug kingpin with the search, which they alleged may have violated attorney-client privilege.
Federal authorities seized a total of 18 devices from Rudy Giuliani’s Manhattan apartment on April 28, 2021. Chip Somodevilla/Getty ImagesGiuliani had served as legal counsel to Trump during his dealings with the Ukrainians.
Oetken on Friday ordered prosecutors and Giuliani’s legal team to submit possible candidates who could serve as the special master in the case.
