In the first case to come out of special counsel John Durham’s three-year investigation, former Hillary Clinton campaign attorney Michael Sussmann was found not guilty of lying to the FBI.
He was accused of making a false statement to the FBI in September 2016, claiming he was not working for any client when he brought forth information alleging a covert communications channel between the Trump Organization and Russia’s Alfa Bank.
The trial lasted two weeks with the jury deliberating for less than a day.
After scrutinizing one piece of evidence in particular — an expense account filed by Mr. Sussmann that included cab charges on the day of his encounter with the FBI — the jury rendered a not guilty verdict. His law firm did not refund his taxi trips to and from the meeting, indicating that he did not make the journey on behalf of a client to whom the cab fare may be charged.
The jury forewoman told the Washington Post, “Politics were not a factor. We felt really comfortable being able to share what we thought. We had concise notes, and we were able to address the questions together.”
She added, “Personally, I don’t think it should have been prosecuted,” and that the government “could have spent our time more wisely.”
Shortly after his acquittal, Sussmann told reporters:
“I told the truth to the FBI and the jury clearly recognized that with their unanimous verdict today. Despite being falsely accused, I am relieved justice finally prevailed in my case.”
Durham said in a statement that he was disappointed by the outcome and also thanked the jury for their service.
John Durham is “disappointed,” per statement. pic.twitter.com/ePti9L2AC8
— Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) May 31, 2022
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