Federal Court Sanctions Charlottesville Defendant Jeff Schoep

“This decision marks one step closer to holding these defendants accountable for their illegal conspiracy to commit racially-motivated violence in Charlottesville — and their persistent efforts to defy court orders and stonewall discovery.

 

"As the suit details, this was a conspiracy that was largely planned online. Mr. Schoep used a cell phone and a laptop, as well as multiple email and social media accounts, to help plan and promote this violent conspiracy with his fellow defendants. Yet despite multiple court orders, he has intentionally withheld much of this evidence for over 15 months.

 

"Mr. Schoep even previously maintained that his cell phone conveniently fell in the toilet after the suit was filed.

 

"We welcome the court’s decision requiring Mr. Schoep to turn over key evidence and address various discrepancies in his statements about his social media accounts within seven days.

 

"This order makes clear: time is running out on the defendants’ ability to continue to obfuscate, withhold documents, and run from accountability for the hate-fueled violence they planned and caused in Charlottesville.”