Roger Stone categorically denied the charges brought against him by the special counsel Friday.
“I will plead not guilty to these charges. I will defeat them in court. I believe this is a politically motivated investigation,” Mr. Stone said over the din of cheers and boos from the crowd outside the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, courtroom.
“The charges today relate in no way to Russian collusion, WikiLeaks collaboration, or any other illegal act in connection to the 2016 campaign,” he said.
He denied making false statements, insisting that any misstatements were “both immaterial and without intent.”
He criticized the special counsel for the manner of his arrest, accusing them of terrorizing his wife and dogs.
“They could have contacted my attorneys and I would have willing to surrender voluntarily,” he said. “Although I must say the FBI agents were extraordinarily courteous.”
Mr. Stone was arrested before dawn Friday morning on charges related to obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and making false statements related to the publishing of hacked DNC emails during the 2016 election.
The indictment notes that an unidentified senior Trump campaign official was directed to contact Mr. Stone about WikiLeaks.
Mr. Stone denied that allegation, saying it was “incorrect.”
He said that since his lawyers had not met with the special counsel yet, he could not comment on whether or not he would cooperate with the investigation. However, he stressed that he would not testify against the president.
“I am one of his oldest friends. I am a fervent supporter of the president,” Mr. Stone said.
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.
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