Justice Department lawyers for the government filed a sentencing memo recommending that former national security advisor Michael Flynn serve six months in prison for lying to the FBI.
Tuesday’s filing reflects the change of heart Mr. Flynn has had regarding cooperating with the investigation into the Trump administration. Flynn pleaded guilty two years ago and was initially cooperative with investigators looking into election interference in 2016, but in the last year has tried to revoke his plea and has been more combative.
“The sentence should adequately deter the defendant from violating the law, and to promote respect for the law,” the Justice Department wrote in a sentencing memo Tuesday. “It is clear that the defendant has not learned his lesson. He has behaved as though the law does not apply to him, and as if there are no consequences for his actions.”
“Based on the defendant’s conduct since the time of the December 18, 2018, sentencing hearing, the government also does not believe the defendant should receive credit for acceptance of responsibility,” the Justice Department lawyers wrote. “Indeed, the government has reason to believe, through representations by the defendant’s counsel, that the defendant has retreated from his acceptance of responsibility in this case regarding his lies to the FBI.”
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