Flynn May Now Face Criminal Prosecution

Leaders of House panel say he didn't get permission for work in Russia, Turkey
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 25, 2017 11:40 AM CDT
Flynn May Have Broken Law With Work in Russia
Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn speaks at the White House in February.   (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Michael Flynn's Russia headache just got worse: The two heads of the House Oversight Committee say the erstwhile national security adviser probably broke the law in regard to his foreign business dealings, reports the Washington Post. GOP Rep. Jason Chaffetz and Democratic Rep. Elijah Cummings say they reviewed classified military documents and found that Flynn never received the proper permission to accept payments for a speech in Russia and for lobbying on behalf of Turkey. That means Flynn could face criminal prosecution and may have to surrender any money received, reports the AP.

"As a former military officer, you simply cannot take money from Russia, Turkey, or anybody else," said Chaffetz of the former general, per the New York Times. “"And it appears as if he did take that money. It was inappropriate, and there are repercussions for a violation of law." Added Cummings: "He was supposed to get permission, he was supposed to report it, and he didn’t." The White House has denied the panel's request for more documents related to Flynn's hiring and subsequent departure, reports the Hill. Flynn resigned in February over phone calls he made to the Russian ambassador before assuming office. (His lawyer has floated the idea of immunity in exchange for testimony.)

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