In Shock Decision, Judge Reverses Conviction Of Michael Flynn’s Lobbying Partner
Chuck Ross
Investigative Reporter
September 24, 2019 5:31 PM ET
In a surprise move Tuesday, a federal judge in Virginia acquitted Bijan Rafiekian, a former business partner of Michael Flynn’s who was convicted in July in a case spun off from the special counsel’s investigation.
Rafiekian, who served as vice chairman of Flynn Intel Group, was convicted July 23 of illegally lobbying on behalf of the Turkish government and conspiring to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).
But Judge Anthony Trenga reversed the jury decision in a 39-page ruling, saying the government’s evidence against Rafiekian “was insufficient as a matter of law†to justify conviction on either count.
He also ruled that Rafiekian would face a new trial if the government successfully appeals the acquittal.
The decision is the latest in a series of setbacks against the Justice Department in cases spun off from the special counsel’s probe.
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https://dailycaller.com/2019/09/24/michael-flynn-lobby-partner-reverse/
