What is the purpose of a sealed indictment?

The purpose of a sealed indictment is primarily to keep the indictment secret for a period. This allows law enforcement authorities to conduct an investigation without revealing the charges to the public, which can be essential for maintaining the integrity of the investigation and preventing potential flight risks or tampering with evidence. Sealing the indictment ensures that critical insights or information obtained during this time can be preserved and that the defendant does not have the opportunity to evade prosecution or alter their behavior based on public knowledge of the indictment.

While other options may touch on facets of the situation, the core function of a sealed indictment relates specifically to the secrecy it provides during a crucial investigative phase. This practice ultimately aims to ensure that legal proceedings can unfold without undue influence from public discourse or media attention.