Michael Flynn, former general and former national security advisor, was supposed to be sentenced today after pleading guilty on two counts of lying to the FBI. That didn’t happen.
Instead, Flynn’s lawyers secured a delay, and Flynn himself may be called to testify in a different case.
BREAKING – michael flynn’s lawyer says they are asking for a delay in sentencing because flynn may be asked to testify in the charges brought against two former associates yesterday in VA>
— kelly cohen (@politiCOHEN_) December 18, 2018
And there were some serious fireworks in the courtroom today, due to Judge Emmet G. Sullivan’s reaming out of Michael Flynn.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the prosecution told Sullivan that Flynn’s cooperation played a role in the indictment this week of two Flynn associates charged with illegally lobbying for Turkey without properly registering under the Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA). They said Flynn could have been indicted in that case had he not cooperated.
Tuesday’s hearing was meant for the judge to sentence Flynn after he pleaded guilty more than a year ago to making false statements to the FBI about his contacts with Russia’s ambassador. As part of that plea, he agreed to cooperate with Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
But after the hearing began, Sullivan tore into Flynn for his “very serious” false statement plea, as well as other alleged misdeeds. The judge asked prosecutors if Flynn could have been charged with treason, telling Flynn “arguably, you sold your country out.”
After a brief recess, Sullivan clarified his scathing statements, prompting the prosecutors to note Flynn’s work as a foreign agent occurred before he took a job at the White House. He also walked back his treason comments, saying he wasn’t suggesting Flynn committed treason, but was “just curious.”
“After looking at the definition of treason, we have no reason to believe he committed treason,” prosecutors said.
Flynn will be due back in the courtroom in 90 days for another hearing, not the actual sentencing.
NOTE — Flynn's sentencing has not been set for March.
A status hearing, at which both sides will report the situation then in place regarding Flynn's cooperation in other cases, will occur in March.
— Steven Portnoy (@stevenportnoy) December 18, 2018
There are still plenty of questions about the FBI’s handling of the initial Flynn interview, and the documentation surrounding it, but it sounds like Michael Flynn himself just wants this to be over. Unfortunately for all of us, this drama just got extended.
Featured image: Michael Flynn (official photo, Defense Intelligence Agency, public domain)
Paladin says: Judge Sullivan’s outrageous behavior at this sentencing hearing was a complete and total disgrsce. Flynn has become a present day Dreyfus.
Nicki says: The judge’s behavior was, indeed, outrageous and unprofessional. He tossed impartiality out the window, and that’s a no-go. That said… having had personal experience with that jackass Flynn, and knowing what I know, I can understand the judge’s feelings on the issue.
Kecin says: Judge Sullivan, appointed by Ronald Reagan, so you can’t blame it on a liberal Democrat judicial appointee. (Wonder why Spanky isn’t lambasting Sullivan?) This judge has read through the volumns of facts and findings in the case so there’s probably a good reason he’s outraged. It happens when you’re a red-blooded American sickened by liars and traitors; no matter your party affiliation (or not).
Nicki says: There is good reason, but a judge needs to act in a professional manner, which this judge has not done.
GWB says: Maybe there is a “good reason” – but none of the facts actually in evidence support his unprofessional tirade (and he apologized for some of it).
Nicki says: Nothing supports that unprofessional tirade, and I say that as someone who has insight into the depth of the assery that is Flynn!
I’m glad the judge apologized, but still… REALLY! What the hell kind of judge behaves that way? (rhetorical)
6 Comments