News that former national security adviser Michael Flynn would plead guilty to lying to the FBI came after weeks of speculation surrounding potential charges and deals. With his actions as an unregistered lobbyist for Turkey, his scheme to kidnap a Muslim cleric in exchange for a $15 million payoff, and failure to properly report multiple trips overseas—including one that involved a genuine Russian nuclear scheme—the list of potential charges against Flynn is lengthy. Flynn’s son is also exposed as a candidate for serious charges, considering his involvement in many of these deals.
But the plea that Flynn made on Friday admitted only lying to the FBI concerning his meetings with the Russian ambassador. The details of the plea are significant, in that they are directly tied to the Trump campaign and to Russia. However, while lying to the FBI can be a significant charge, it’s a charge rarely levied on its own (see Martha Stewart).
However, multiple sources have indicated that Flynn and Mueller have concluded their agreement, suggesting that this may be the only charge Flynn faces. Which leads to the question of why? What kind of deal would allow Flynn and his son to walk away from multiple, serious charges with what could amount to little more than a slap on the wrist?
One clue is George Papadopoulos. His deal with Mueller also includes a charge of lying to the FBI. Which suggests that this is Mueller’s go-to charge for those who have agreed to cooperate with the investigation.
Another clue comes from Flynn Jr.
MFLYNNJR
9:46 AM - 5 Nov 2017
“The SJW are out in full this morning....the disappointment on your faces when I don’t go to jail will be worth all your harassment...”
If that wasn’t the same kind of idle nonsense that fills most of Flynn Jr.’s posts, it could indicate that there’s a bigger connection between Michael Flynn’s plea and that of George Papadopoulos: both may have been working with Mueller for a long time before that news became public.
Flynn’s guilty plea absolutely indicates that a deal has been made. But it leaves open a lot of questions.
- What information did Flynn agree to provide in exchange for consideration of reduced charges?
- How long has Flynn been cooperating with the special counsel before making today’s plea?
- Are these the only charges Flynn and his son will face?