Mueller Investigation: What Comes Next

Mueller+has+a+long+history+in+investigation.+In+this+2013+photo%2C+Mueller+delivers+a+stoic+gaze+during+an+FBI+ceremony.+Photo+by+Charles+Dharapak+%3A+AP

Mueller has a long history in investigation. In this 2013 photo, Mueller delivers a stoic gaze during an FBI ceremony. Photo by Charles Dharapak : AP

Jake Bednarski, Contributing Writer

There has been a ripple of mixed feelings of concern, intrigue, and excitement on Capitol Hill. Michael Cohen went to court on December 12th, and received three years in jail. Robert Mueller arrested Cohen on the charges of bank and tax fraud in August, and, two days later, Cohen pleaded guilty to those charges and many more. In the end, Cohen admitted to lying to Congress, tax evasion, violating campaign finance laws, and excessive campaign contributions. The attorney talked extensively with Mueller, resulting in over 70 recorded hours of testimony.

Within these talks, Cohen detailed and revealed his contacts with Russia and President Donald J. Trump’s plans to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. Mueller has been working to uncover whether or not President Trump colluded with Russia to influence the 2016 election for over a year and a half now. The President has always been against the investigation, calling it a “witch hunt,” although he has also said he is willing to testify for Mueller. Mueller served as the head of the FBI for 12 years and is currently an attorney. He has experience with potential international interference, as he headed the FBI during 9/11.

Recent arrests have also included Paul Manafort, the former chairman of Trump’s campaign. Manafort was arrested by Mueller for failing to file foreign bank account reports, tax fraud, and bank fraud. Manafort was looking for a plea deal, but lied to investigators. Richard Gates, once one of the top campaign aides to President Trump, was arrested for conspiracy against the U.S., conspiracy to launder money, false statements, and failure to file reports on foreign bank and financial accounts. Michael Flynn, the former national security advisor, was arrested as well for lying to investigators regarding a talk he had with Russia. Mueller also indicted 13 Russian nationals who were trying to wage “information warfare.”

Going forward, Mueller must decide whether or not he wants to continue to follow the money. In many of the arrests made above, bank fraud and tax evasion have frequently surfaced. It is possible that Mueller will prove a direct connection between President Trump and Cohen’s indictments, but to do so may include Mueller speaking to more people or some of the President’s associates making deals with Mueller. An instance like this may come over the holiday brea, or further into the new year. But for the citizens following the proceedings, they remain a waiting game with all eyes on Mueller.