Bill Priestap

By Steve Neavling
Ticklethewire.com

Bill Priestap, the assistant director of the FBI’s counterintelligence division, is retiring by the end of the year.

Priestap was among the bureau’s top officials tasked with overseeing investigations involving the 2016 presidential campaign, The Wall Street Journal reports. 

The 20-year veteran of the bureau began his career investigating organized crime and drug cases in Chicago before ascending the ranks following the Sept. 11, 2o01, terrorist attacks.

A person familiar with the retirement said Priest’s departure has nothing to do with the controversies surrounding the presidential election investigations.

He “became eligible to retire and has chosen to do so after 20 years of service,” the FBI said in a statement.

Former National Security Adviser Michael T. Flynn

By Steve Neavling
Ticklethewire.com

Special counsel Robert Mueller recommended no jail time for Trump’s former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, saying he provided “substantial assistance” to several ongoing investigations.

Flynn cooperated during 19 interviews with federal investigators, providing early insight into the Russia investigation and possibly helping encourage others to cooperate, a court filing states.

Flynn, who was pressured to abandoned his post as national security adviser for misleading administration officials, is among five Trump aides who have pleaded guilty in the special counsel investigation.

The sentencing memo provided the first description from prosecutors about the extent of Flynn’s cooperation.

But for now, it’s unclear what information Flynn provided because the memo is heavily redacted.

Flynn was among Trump’s early supporters who led “Lock her up!” chants targeting Hillary Clinton.