Todd Edelman

“While all defendants deal with some degree of uncertainty regarding the odds of re-prosecution after a case has been dismissed, Mr. Hearn faces the unique possibility that the government will revive this case — one that it has already announced to be meritless — based on political pressure brought by the President of the United States upon his subordinate officers.”

Todd Edelman · said 2026-10-01 · reported 2026-10-01

Edelman wrote in his ruling dismissing the case with prejudice that Hearn faced the unique possibility of re-prosecution driven by political pressure from President Trump.

“However, in the exceptional circumstances posed by this case, the government has no right to retain the ability to compound the errors it has already made, or even to threaten to do so, at Mr. Hearn's expense,”

Todd Edelman · said 2026-10-01 · reported 2026-10-01

Edelman wrote in his order that the government had no right to retain the ability to compound its errors at Hearn's expense.

“Won't take long to issue a ruling,”

Todd Edelman · said 2026-09-04 · reported 2026-09-04

Judge Edelman indicated he would rule quickly on whether to dismiss the indictment.

“pursue a prosecution that you told me is meritless?”

Todd Edelman · said 2026-09-04 · reported 2026-09-04

Edelman asked Spence how Trump's statements could be seen as anything other than directing prosecutors to pursue a meritless case.

“I'm going to take this under advisement.”

Todd Edelman · said 2026-09-04 · reported 2026-09-04

At the end of the hearing, Judge Edelman said he would take the dismissal question under advisement.