Roger Stone pleads not guilty to Mueller probe charges

Roger Stone, former advisor to President Donald Trump, pleaded not guilty Tuesday for obstruction, falsely hearing and witnessing faces as part of the Special advocate Robert Mueller's inquiry into election interference in Russia

Stone, 66, was arrested Friday morning after a grand jury in federal court District of Columbia has filed a complaint for obstruction of a formal proceeding. , five counts of false statements and one count of witnesses. He was later released on a $ 250,000 signature bond.

Wearing a simple navy blue suit and simple tie compared to the more casual blue polo that he wore when he was arrested, Stone, generally blazing, did not say much during the 13 minutes of hearing. His lawyer pleaded not guilty

On Tuesday, Stone went to court to say that he understood the terms of his release, which had not changed. He will still not be allowed to contact potential witnesses in the case, his passport is still seized and his trip is restricted to his home in Florida, the DMV DC area and New York.

After the hearing, he was required to appear beforehand. the office of the US Marshal to complete his reservation. A status hearing is scheduled for February 1st.

He did not speak while he was leaving the courthouse.

In August 2016, Stone claimed to have publicly and privately communicated with the organization 1, known to the public. to be Wikileaks, while the organization was making a public statement refusing direct talks, according to the indictment.

During the summer, Stone, who had left the Trump campaign in 2015, had "maintained regular contact with and publicly supported" through the campaign. The 2016 election told WikiLeaks of top officials of the Trump campaign and "information that it could have hurt the Clinton campaign," says the act. ;charge.

After the presidential election, Congress and the FBI announced the opening of an investigation into the interference of Russia in society. The 2016 election, including Stone's alleged contact with WikiLeaks. The indictment alleges that Stone obstructed investigations by making multiple false statements to the Salt House. ect Committee on Intelligence on its interactions with WikiLeaks and tried to persuade a witness to give false testimony and to withhold information.

Mueller was appointed in May 2017 to investigate the interferences of the elections in Russia and the question of whether the Trump campaign leaders concluded in Moscow.

Stone is not accused of personal coordination with the Russians, and has repeatedly denied any collusion with WikiLeaks.

Former Attorney General Joyce Vance told NBC News Friday that Mr. Stone could be sentenced to 24 to 30 months in jail according to federal sentencing guidelines. 39, he is found guilty. "the offense has resulted in substantial interference in the administration of justice."

"Judges have the discretion to go up or down," Vance added.

Elisha Fieldstadt

Elisha Fieldstadt is a reporter for NBC News.