Special counsel Robert Mueller has reportedly gathered enough evidence to bring charges against former National Security Adviser Michael T. Flynn and his son, Michael G. Flynn, according to a news report.
NBC News reported on Sunday the actions are a part of Mueller's probe into possible collusion between President Donald Trump's presidential campaign and the Russian government. Flynn's cooperation would not only aid his son but could mean leniency in his own case. In fact, Flynn might avoid legal consequences altogether, according to NBC News sources. The report also notes that if charged, Flynn would be "the first current or former Trump administration official formally accused of criminal wrongdoing" in Mueller's probe.
Credit: Drew Angerer
Credit: Drew Angerer
Flynn resigned after only a few weeks with the administration for misleading the White House about his communication with Russia's U.S. ambassador.
At least two people tried to discourage Trump against associating with Flynn. Former acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates, who was fired by Trump in January after she refused to enforce his travel ban, revealed in a congressional hearing that she had alerted the White House about Flynn's dishonesty in his interactions with Russia. According to reports, former President Barack Obama also tried to warn Trump against adding Flynn to the administration.
Last week, Mueller's investigation resulted in the indictments of former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and his associate, Richard Gates. Both are facing a 12-count indictment for conspiracy against the United States, laundering money, and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign principal. Manafort and Gates pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The investigation also led to charges against Trump campaign adviser George Papadopoulos, who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI.
