‘Inquiry Is Growing in Intensity and Entering a New Phase’
Special Counsel Robert Mueller has impaneled a grand jury for his investigation into Russia’s interference in the U.S. 2016 presidential election, according to a just-published article in The Wall Street Journal.
The Journal calls it “a sign that his inquiry is growing in intensity and entering a new phase, according to two people familiar with the matter.” It also notes the grand jury has been up and “began its work in recent weeks,” which the paper says is “a sign that Mr. Mueller’s inquiry is ramping up and that it will likely continue for months.”
The paper cites a law professor, Stephen I. Vladeck of the University of Texas, who says the move is indicative of “a long-term, large-scale series of prosecutions being contemplated and being pursued by the special counsel.â€
“If there was already a grand jury in Alexandria looking at Flynn, there would be no need to reinvent the wheel for the same guy. This suggests that the investigation is bigger and wider than Flynn, perhaps substantially so.â€
Thomas Zeno, a federal prosecutor for 29 years before becoming a lawyer at the Squire Patton Boggs law firm, said the grand jury is “confirmation that this is a very vigorous investigation going on.â€
“This doesn’t mean he is going to bring charges,†Mr. Zeno cautioned. “But it shows he is very serious. He wouldn’t do this if it were winding down.â€
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