Mueller reportedly impanels grand jury in Russia probe
Robert Mueller.
Special counsel Robert Mueller has reportedly impaneled a grand jury in his investigation of Russian influence in the presidential elections, according to a published report.
The grand jury has begun its work and will likely continue for months, according to the Wall Street Journal (sub. req.). Its story is based on anonymous sources familiar with the matter.
Reuters also has a story that reports a grand jury has been convened. The article, which is also based on anonymous sources, says subpoenas have been issued in connection with the meeting between a Russian lawyer and Donald Trump Jr.
A Mueller spokesman did not comment when contacted by the Wall Street Journal. Trump lawyer Ty Cobb told the newspaper he wasn’t aware of the grand jury, but “the White House favors anything that accelerates the conclusion of his work fairly.” He added that the White House is cooperating in the probe.
The grand jury is taking over a separate grand jury investigation of former national security adviser Michael Flynn, according to the Wall Street Journal article. Flynn resigned amid a Defense Department investigation into payments he received from Russia and Turkey.
University of Texas law professor Stephen Vladeck told the Wall Street Journal that, if the grand jury is taking over the Flynn investigation, it “suggests that the investigation is bigger and wider than Flynn, perhaps substantially so.”
Another report by CNN, which is also based on anonymous sources, says the probe has widened to include possible financial crimes.
Sixteen lawyers are working with Mueller on the probe, with separate groups of lawyers said to be dedicated to possible collusion with Russia, obstruction of justice, Flynn and former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, according to CNN.
