Michael Flynn, the former national security adviser of President Donald Trump pleaded guilty to lying to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
He is now cooperating with Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into allegations that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential elections. The Special Counsel is also looking into allegations that the Trump campaign colluded with Russians.
On Friday, Flynn answered yes or no to the questions of the judge. He also made it clear that the FBI did not coerce him or did not promise him a specific sentence. Flynn pleaded guilty to one felony count of lying to the FBI regarding his conversation with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak last year.
Based on the federal sentencing guidelines, the maximum sentence for such offense is five years in prison. The federal judge indicated that he could impose a more lenient or tougher sentence against Flynn.
Flynn said his decision is in the best interest of his family and country
In a statement, Flynn said the “false accusations of treason and other outrageous acts” against him has been “extraordinarily painful to endure.” According to him, those false allegations were contrary to the principles he stood for during his 33 years of military service.