In a strategic move to strengthen their case against former President Donald Trump, Fulton County prosecutors have engaged in discussions regarding potential plea deals with at least six additional co-defendants charged in connection with the attempted subversion of the 2020 presidential election, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. The objective is to gather information by enticing co-defendants to cooperate, leaving Trump and a few loyal allies in a precarious position.

One of the co-defendants, pro-Trump lawyer Robert Cheeley, has confirmed that he was offered a plea deal by the Georgia prosecutors but declined the offer, as stated by his attorney Richard Rice. Additional individuals who have reportedly been in contact with the DA's office regarding potential deals include former Coffee County elections supervisor Misty Hampton and former Trump campaign official Mike Roman, sources revealed.

Although the names of three other defendants who have discussed plea agreements with Fulton County prosecutors have not been disclosed due to concerns from sources, it is evident that the DA's office is open to discussing deals with any individual involved in the case. However, sources with knowledge of the DA's strategy emphasize that there is little room for compromise when it comes to the charges against Trump.

It should be noted that there is currently no indication of interest in plea deals from either the prosecutors or Trump's legal team. The hypothetical proposals, if entertained, would likely be on the terms set by District Attorney Fani Willis, which would require Trump to plead guilty to all the charges he faces. This legal stance effectively eliminates the possibility of substantive negotiations, according to an insider with knowledge of the DA's strategy. Trump has consistently maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty and vocally continuing to assert that he won the election.

Thus far, four out of the 19 defendants in the Fulton County case have already accepted plea deals, including three attorneys who were directly involved in Trump's efforts to overturn the election results in Georgia. These defendants pleaded guilty to felony charges in exchange for more lenient sentencing recommendations. Notably, a common condition of these deals has been the requirement for defendants to issue written apologies to the citizens of Georgia, expressing remorse for their involvement in the attempts to subvert the election. The level of remorse expressed has varied among the defendants.

During a recent plea hearing, former Trump campaign attorney Jenna Ellis emotionally presented her letter of apology, publicly disavowing Trump's attempts to overturn the election results. In contrast, former Trump campaign attorney Sidney Powell's written apology allegedly consisted of only one sentence, according to a source familiar with the document.

As for other prominent co-defendants, Rudy Giuliani has not been extended a plea deal at this stage. Giuliani, labeled as one of Trump's most outspoken attorneys in 2020 and considered a key co-defendant in the case, lost his two Georgia-based lawyers recently. Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and Trump ally John Eastman have also not been offered plea deals in relation to the Fulton County case, as confirmed by sources familiar with their situations.

Fani Willis' prosecutorial strategy focuses on prioritizing co-defendants listed at the top of the indictment, seeking cooperation from those believed to play lesser roles in the broader case. This approach mirrors Willis' success in a 2014 RICO case involving the Atlanta Public Schools cheating scandal, as described by a source familiar with the matter.

Legal experts, such as former District Attorney Robert James, suggest that these discussions of plea deals could mark the beginning of a series of agreements in Fulton County, where prosecutors aim to have co-defendants serve as witnesses rather than adversaries. James highlights that this not only strengthens the prosecution's case with additional evidence but also provides some measure of certainty and safety for the co-defendants, knowing that they may avoid imprisonment.

In summary, Fulton County prosecutors are pursuing potential plea deals with additional co-defendants in the case involving the attempted subversion of the 2020 presidential election. While some have declined offers, discussions continue with several individuals. As the legal proceedings progress, it remains to be seen if these negotiations will have a significant impact on the case against Donald Trump and his close associates.