[DoodleDawg]

But why would a new New York law, this AB6653 mentioned in the article, be required to charge Stone with some different violation?

Because the state used to waive prosecution for people convicted on similar federal charges. This law changed that. And no, it's not a ex post facto law. Witness tampering has always been illegal.

[AnotherUnixGeek]

Because the state used to waive prosecution for people convicted on similar federal charges. This law changed that. And no, it's not a ex post facto law.

"Similar" still sounds like double jeopardy. But I'm no lawyer - I assume New York will use this law to carry out a politically motivated prosecution. Thanks for the info.