Justice Dept. to launch criminal investigation into its own Russia probe: report
By Justine Coleman - 10/24/19 08:28 PM EDT
The Justice Department has reportedly opened a criminal investigation into its own Russia probe The New York Times reports.
The New York Times reports that after former special counsel Robert S. Mueller III closed the official investigation months ago, a new criminal inquiry will proceed to find out how the investigation of Russian interference into the 2016 presidential election and Trump's alleged collusion with Russia "all began."
Attorney General Bill Barr has closely reviewed how the department handled the Russia investigation. But shifting the administrative review to a criminal inquiry would allow the prosecutor, John H. Durham to subpoena for witness testimony and documents, people familiar with the matter told The Times.
It would also enable Durham to put together a grand jury and to file charges.
When defined as an administrative review, Durham could only voluntarily interview witnesses and investigate government documents, according to the Times.
The Times reported it was unclear what specific crime Durham would look into or when the investigation changed from an administrative review.
Opponents to President Trump may perceive the beginning of a criminal inquiry as a method for the president to go after his rivals. The president has indicated he views the department should take steps against his political opponents as he has supported using it to find out the origins of the Russia investigation.
The threshold needed by the federal government to open a criminal inquiry is "reasonable indication" that a crime has taken place but with "objective, factual basis for initiating the investigation," according to department rules.
The Justice Department declined to comment to The New York Times. The Hill also reached out to the department for comment.
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https://thehill.com/homenews/admini...ch-criminal-investigation-into-its-own-russia
