The indictment comes as a result of a thorough investigation by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis into efforts to overturn the state's 2020 presidential election results.
The investigation was launched in February 2021 after it was revealed that Trump was recorded during a January 2, 2021, phone call pressuring Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to "find" him 11,780 votes, enough to secure victory in Georgia.
The investigation also focused on a concerning plan to assemble a slate of fake electors to secretly meet at the state Capitol and cast votes for Trump, despite Joe Biden's majority win in the state.
The intention was to create turmoil in Georgia's election results during Congress's certification on January 6, 2021. A special grand jury, which heard evidence over seven months, recommended indictments for more than a dozen individuals, including Trump.
Fani Willis sought approval from a regular grand jury, which has now voted to bring charges against Trump and his associates.
The charges are anticipated to be brought under Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations Act (RICO), a move that will enable the prosecution of multiple individuals allegedly involved in a potentially extensive criminal scheme. This Act is even broader in scope than the federal RICO law.
Nearly 20 people were informed that they could potentially face charges as a result of this investigation.
Trump, however, accused Willis of strategically timing the charges to influence the upcoming 2024 presidential campaign.
The indictment adds to the mounting legal challenges that Trump faces, including an indictment on August 1 in Washington, D.C., for actions taken to contest the 2020 election results.
He pleaded not guilty to all four felony charges.
Trump is also scheduled for trials in New York and federal court in the coming months on various charges related to his actions while in office.
Despite these legal battles, Trump maintains his plea of not guilty. The indictment in Georgia marks a significant development in the complex legal landscape surrounding the former U.S. President.
(dpa/NAN)