Donald Trump’s former national security adviser provided so much information to a probe into alleged Russian collusion that prosecutors say he should not be jailed, according to court p
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December 5 2018 6:52 AM
Donald Trump’s former national security adviser provided so much information to a probe into alleged Russian collusion that prosecutors say he should not be jailed, according to court papers.
Michael Flynn’s cooperation with special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation was described as “substantial” in a legal submission that provides the first details of the former aide’s assistance in the probe.
The papers, which said he participated in 19 interviews with prosecutors, were filed two weeks ahead of Flynn’s sentencing for lying to the FBI about conversations with the Russian ambassador on Mr Trump’s behalf.
Though prosecutors withheld specific details of Flynn’s cooperation because of ongoing investigations, their filing nonetheless underscores the breadth of how much information Mr Mueller has obtained from people close to Mr Trump.
The president has been increasingly venting his anger at the probe – and those who cooperate with it.
Earlier this week, Mr Trump lashed out at his former legal fixer, Michael Cohen, saying he is making up “stories” to get a reduced prison sentence after his latest guilty plea to lying to Congress.
Mr Trump also praised longtime confidante Roger Stone for saying he would “never testify against Trump,” adding in a tweet: “Nice to know some people still have ‘guts!'”
It is unclear if Mr Trump will now turn his fury on Flynn, a retired US Army lieutenant general who Mr Trump grew close to during the 2016 campaign and tried to protect by asking former FBI Director James Comey to let the investigation go.
That episode is among those under scrutiny by Mr Mueller as he probes whether Mr Trump attempted to obstruct the Russia investigation.
Federal sentencing guidelines recommend between zero and six months in prison for Flynn, leaving open the possibility of probation.
Flynn’s case has been a contrast to those of other Trump associates, who have aggressively criticised and tried to undermine the Russia probe.
