Of particular note were the specific items Flynn was cooperating on with the special counsel, as outlined in the sentencing memorandum.
Under the section “Significance and Usefulness of the Defendant’s Assistance,” it states that “the defendant has assisted with several ongoing investigations”—including a criminal investigation, the special counsel’s investigation into Russia collusion, and a third, unknown investigation. It also states that Flynn has participated in 19 interviews with the special counsel or attorneys from other Department of Justice offices and has provided documents and communications.
All descriptions of the criminal investigation are fully redacted, as are descriptions of the third, unknown investigation. The reasons for the extensive redactions relate, at least in part, to the fact that these investigations remain ongoing.
The section dedicated to Mueller’s investigation into “links or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the Trump campaign” is, for the most part, unredacted, which may provide indications that the Russia investigation is approaching a conclusion. There does not appear to be any evidence of collusion being alleged in the sentencing document.
Firsthand Insight
In the memo, Mueller refers to Flynn’s “long-term and firsthand insight regarding events and issues under investigation.”Under “Timeliness of the Defendant’s Assistance,” the memo states:
“The defendant began providing information to the government not long after the government first sought his cooperation.
“His early cooperation was particularly valuable because he was one of the few people with long-term and firsthand insight regarding events and issues under investigation by the [special counsel].”
Turkey Payment
Also covered in the sentencing memorandum are Flynn’s contact with the Republic of Turkey that took place after Flynn’s lobbying company contracted with the Turkish government in August 2016. The project, which lasted three months, resulted in Flynn’s company receiving $530,000.No Jail Time Recommended
The sentencing memo suggests that Flynn should not be given jail time:“Given the defendant’s substantial assistance and other considerations set forth below, a sentence at the low end of the guideline range—including a sentence that does not impose a term of incarceration—is appropriate and warranted.”
Flynn Interview
Flynn was interviewed on Jan. 24, 2017 by FBI agents Peter Strzok and Joe Pientka regarding his December 2016 conversations with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak. As noted in a May 15, 2018, letter from Sen. Chuck Grassley, former FBI Director James Comey told the Senate Judiciary Committee that the agents interviewing Flynn did not believe that Flynn had lied to them.Nevertheless, Flynn ultimately pleaded guilty to one count of lying to the FBI regarding his conversations with Kislyak. It remains unknown who actually leaked Flynn’s highly classified call with the Russian ambassador to the media—a far more serious felony violation.