4 takeaways after judge lambasts former national security adviser Michael Flynn and postpones sentences.
The unexpected delay in Michael Flynn’s sentencing raised a new wrinkle in the Russia probe.
The former national security adviser, who pleaded guilty to lying the FBI about his contacts with Russia’s ambassador, had expected to face no jail time after prosecutors vouched for him, saying he had provided substantial assistance in their investigation.
But when a federal judge lambasted Flynn and raised the prospect of prison, Flynn decided to postpone the hearing and keep cooperating to get as much credit as he can.
What we learned at Tuesday’s hearing:
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COOPERATION COUNTS — BUT SO DOES THE CRIME
There was no argument from either side about the extent and value of Flynn’s cooperation. But U. S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan made clear that he was still hung up on the crime itself, repeating multiple times his distress over the fact that Flynn had lied to the FBI on the grounds of the White House.
Though Sullivan gave Flynn an opportunity to reset the process and earn additional credit for his cooperation, it’s not clear that he’ll get past the underlying crime itself.
