Jasper Mills, a former Albany County prosecutor turned defense attorney, faces serious charges for allegedly sharing confidential witness information. Mills, who represented Vramir Branch in a gang-related homicide case, was indicted for violating a protective order by disclosing a sensitive witness list. The list included names of cooperating witnesses, leading to threats and an attack on one witness in federal prison.

According to New York Upstate, Attorney General Letitia James and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced the indictment, highlighting the severity of the charges. Mills is accused of intimidating and tampering with a witness, among other charges. If convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison.

The case stems from the January 2021 murder of Shanita Thomas, where Branch was one of four defendants. A protective order issued by Judge Roger McDonough on October 27, 2022, prohibited Mills from sharing documents with witness information. Despite this, investigations revealed that Mills' marked copies of the witness list were shared on social media and via text message.

On June 5, 2024, a cooperating witness at FCI Ray Brook was threatened by inmates who knew he had "turned state witness." Later, on September 8, 2024, the same witness was attacked again, requiring hospitalization. Mills also allegedly delivered a hard drive with prohibited documents to Branch.

Attorney General James emphasized the importance of protecting witnesses and ensuring justice, stating, "Witness intimidation corrupts our justice system." Mills was arraigned in Albany Supreme Court, and the prosecution is led by Senior Counsel Mary Gorman and Assistant Attorney General Nicholas Kyriacou. The investigation was conducted by the New York State Police.

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