New York Attorney General Letitia James and State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced the arrest and indictment of Jasper Mills, a criminal defense attorney accused of unlawfully sharing confidential witness information in a homicide trial. Authorities say Mills’ actions led to a cooperating witness being threatened and attacked while in federal prison.
Mills, a former Albany County prosecutor, was indicted for violating an Albany County protective order that prohibited him from sharing discovery materials containing witness names, including a sensitive list naming two cooperating witnesses. Shortly after Mills allegedly shared the list, one of the cooperating witnesses was threatened in federal prison and later attacked with a knife, requiring hospitalization.
Mills faces five charges, including Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree, Intimidating a Witness in the First and Second Degree, and Tampering with a Witness in the First and Second Degree. He was arraigned today in Albany County Court. If convicted, he could face between eight and one-third and twenty-five years in prison.
“Witness intimidation corrupts our justice system and prevents victims from receiving a fair trial,” said Attorney General James. “Jasper Mills allegedly shared witness information that put lives in danger. My office will hold him accountable.”
Superintendent James added, “This investigation underscores our commitment to protecting witnesses and holding individuals accountable when their actions jeopardize public safety and the justice system.”
Mills was representing Vramir Branch, one of four defendants in an ongoing prosecution for the January 2021 gang-related murder of Shanita Thomas. Due to concerns about gang-related reprisals, the Albany County District Attorney’s Office obtained two protective orders against Branch. The second order, issued October 27, 2022, specifically barred Mills from providing any documents containing witness names or personal information to the defendant.
On June 3, 2024, during a pre-trial conference, the DA’s office provided defense attorneys with a witness list that included two cooperating witnesses, along with a reminder of the protective order. Investigators say Mills later shared the witness list on social media and via text, and also delivered a hard drive containing sensitive witness information to Branch at Albany County Correctional Facility.
In early June 2024, one of the cooperating witnesses, incarcerated at FCI Ray Brook, was threatened by other inmates and moved to protective custody. On September 8, 2024, the same witness was attacked in protective custody and required hospitalization.
The New York State Police conducted the investigation.
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