Mueller Forms Grand Jury in Russia Investigation: Report

Experts say that means the investigation into Trump, others is ramping up
By Michael Harthorne,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 3, 2017 4:12 PM CDT
Mueller Forms Grand Jury in Russia Investigation: Report
In this June 21, 2017 file photo, Special Counsel Robert Mueller departs after a closed-door meeting with members of the Senate Judiciary Committee about Russian meddling in the election at the Capitol in Washington.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Experts say Robert Mueller's investigation into President Trump, his associates, and Russia shows no sign of wrapping up, with sources telling the Wall Street Journal the special counsel has impaneled a grand jury in Washington DC. Grand juries allow prosecutors to subpoena documents, have witnesses testify under oath, and pursue indictments. “This is yet a further sign that there is a long-term, large-scale series of prosecutions being contemplated and being pursued by the special counsel,” a University of Texas law professor says. The news—a sign the investigation will likely continue for months—comes as lawmakers in both parties are seeking to make it more difficult for Trump to fire Mueller.

Meanwhile, Reuters reports Mueller's grand jury has issued subpoenas tied to Donald Trump Jr.'s 2016 meeting with a Russian lawyer, who claimed to have information damaging to Hillary Clinton, and others. And sources familiar with the investigation tell CNN that investigators are beginning to focus on possible financial crimes committed by Trump and others, some of which have nothing to do with the 2016 election. Mueller has the authority to look into anything that "may arise directly from the investigation," and sources say investigators now believe financial crimes are more likely to lead to prosecutions than possible collusion with Russia during the election. Trump has called the entire investigation a "witch hunt." (More Robert Mueller stories.)

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