(RoyalPatriot.com )- According to a disturbing text message, former Hillary Clinton campaign lawyer Michael Sussmann only wanted to “assist the Bureau” by sharing since-debunked computer evidence connecting Donald Trump and Russia with the FBI’s top counsel.
Sussmann sent the message to then-FBI general counsel James Baker on the night of Sept. 18, 2016. On Wednesday, Baker testified during Sussmann’s trial in federal court in Washington, DC.
“Jim — it’s Michael Sussmann. I have something time-sensitive (and sensitive) I need to discuss. Do you have availability for a short meeting tomorrow? I’m coming on my own — not on behalf of a client or company — want to help the Bureau. Thanks,” he wrote in the courtroom message.
Baker said he agreed to meet with Sussmann the next day at FBI headquarters. Sussmann allegedly revealed information on a secret backchannel between a Trump Organization’s computer server and Russia’s Alfa Bank.
Sussmann, 57, is accused of lying to the government while working for the Clinton campaign and another client, IT executive Rodney Joffe, informed him of the purported Trump-Russia evidence.
Baker said that Michael’s a friend, and it didn’t really “spook me off. Baker added that he was “a bit startled” Sussmann had his cellphone number.
The principal prosecution witness testified that he had known Sussmann since they were both Justice Department lawyers and became closer after attending the funeral of a common friend.
Baker also testified that he didn’t hand over the text message to special counsel John Durham after Sussmann’s indictment on Sept.16 because no one had asked for it before the case’s discovery phase began.
When he discovered the communication in March, Baker stated that he informed his lawyer, who called the government.
Baker claimed that FBI officers went to his house the same day to seize it.
Baker was scheduled to testify again on Thursday.
Sussmann lawyer Sean Berkowitz indicated just before Baker took the testimony that the defense might seek a mistrial based on earlier prosecution questioning of former Clinton campaign general counsel Marc Elias.
The problem appears to be linked to a conversation in which DeFilippis challenged Elias on his claim that he didn’t know if Sussmann went to the FBI on behalf of the campaign.
“That’s something you’d have to ask Michael Sussmann,” Elias remarked.
Judge Christopher Cooper said he would review the issue on Thursday morning, but both sides should expect more testimony because he is unlikely to declare a mistrial.
