News
Judge Asks Prosecutors if Flynn Could Have Been Charged With Treason
The sentencing hearing for disgraced former Trump National Security Advisor Michael Flynn has just asked federal prosecutors if they considered charging him with treason.
Judge Emmet Sullivan then called a recess after asking the question prosecutors reportedly were surprised to be asked.
CBS News Radio reporter:
DID FLYNN COMMIT TREASON?
Sullivan is now asking the special counsel’s office whether it ever considered charging Flynn with treason.
Prosecutor Brandon Van Grack struggles to answer, saying it wasn’t considered.
— Steven Portnoy (@stevenportnoy) December 18, 2018
CNN executive producer:
Judge Sullivan asks if Michael Flynn’s conduct “rises to the level of treasonous activity?”
Brandon Van Grack, speaking for special counsel, says prosecutors did not consider charging Flynn with treason.
Sullivan asks again: “Could he have been charged with treason?” https://t.co/6HemlfZkl5
— David P Gelles (@gelles) December 18, 2018
Judge Sullivan minutes earlier had told Flynn directly, “You were an unregistered agent of a foreign country will serving as the National Security Adviser to the president of the United States!” according to reports via Twitter.
“Arguably this undermines everything this flag over here stands for!” Judge Sullivan added.
Stay tuned for further reports.
UPDATE: 12:47 PM ET –
Judge clarifies his treason questions:
Judge Sullivan is now trying to walk back some of his rhetoric before the break. Says he was just asking about treason, not saying that Flynn committed it. “Don’t read too much into the questions I asked.” Sullivan says he couldn’t even tell you what the elements of treason are.
— Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) December 18, 2018
FINAL UPDATE: MIKE FLYNN SENTENCING DELAYED AFTER JUDGE BLASTS FORMER TRUMP SECURITY ADVISOR
This is a breaking news and developing story. Details may change. This story will be updated, and NCRM will likely publish follow-up stories on this news. Stay tuned and refresh for updates.
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