Justice Trump-Style

There has been a lot of chatter about the kind of justice being dealt to former Trump cronies. Let's start with those who remained loyal to Trump and stayed in his favor.

Paul Manafort: He pleaded guilty of conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruct justice, and was serving a sentence of seven years.  After his conviction, Manafort pledged to cooperate with the Russia investigation-- but a judge found that he lied repeatedly to the special counsel’s team.  The Bureau of Prisons has said it is “prioritizing for consideration” inmates who had served more than half their sentences or had 18 months or less remaining; Manafort is not in either category.  There are other inmates who are Manafort's age and have more serious medical conditions-- but they aren't getting out.  There have been no confirmed COVID-19 infections at the Loretto complex where Manafort was held, either.    But he gets out early.

Roger Stone: Another Trump ally who failed to cooperate with prosecutors, was convicted last fall of lying to Congress and witness tampering.  He was facing a prison term of nine years, but AG William Barr intervened in his case, causing all four career prosecutors to resign from the case.  Due to Barr's largess, Stone received a much lighter sentence than expected-- only 3 years. 

Michael Flynn:  The retired Army General admitted in federal court TWICE that he committed felonies-- lying to the FBI and lying in court in front of a judge.  But despite all that, William Barr interferes on his behalf.  Barr, in a stunning decision, approved the Justice Department's decision to ask a judge to dismiss the criminal case against Flynn. 

So what about Mike Cohen, who ratted out Trump? In May of last year, the Trump attorney pleaded guilty last year to financial crimes and lying to Congress-- he began serving a three-year sentence after providing testimony and evidence against Trump.  Last month, it was announced that Cohen would be released to home confinement as part of the push to stem the spread of coronavirus.  However, on the day he was set to leave prison, he mysteriously didn't-- without any explanation.  Sources say that his early release hasn't been canceled-- it is merely subject to additional review next month.  Yeah, right-- has anybody checked with Bill Barr?  He seems to be doing the political bidding of Trump nowadays.