Thread by @kyledcheney

JUST IN: Judge in Flynn case SULLIVAN argues that DOJ's abrupt reversal is so unusual, it calls into question the motives behind it. Further review isn't just an option, it may be required, he said.

The full brief: politico.com/f/?id=00000172…

BOTTOM LINE: Sullivan says there's no reason for the Appeals Court to short-circuit him now — he hasn't even ruled yet. If DOJ/Flynn and the Appeals Court don't like what he's doing, they can revisit on appeal.

NEW: Judge SULLIVAN sayd the "unusual" handling of the Flynn case by DOJ warrants — and may even require — him to probe the matter further, rather than immediately drop the case at DOJ's request. politico.com/news/2020/06/0…

"It is unprecedented for an Acting U.S. Attorney to contradict the solemn representations that career prosecutors made...and undermine the district court’s legal and factual findings..years after two different federal judges accepted the defendant’s plea." politico.com/news/2020/06/0…

NEWS: DOJ fully backs Flynn effort to force dismissal of his case, calls for Appeals Court to demand Judge Sullivan end the prosecution.
politico.com/f/?id=00000172…

UPDATE: DOJ argues that Judge Sullivan overstepped and that the Appeals Court should force him to dismiss the Flynn case.

Also says Sullivan can't initiate criminal contempt against Flynn for lying under oath during plea colloquy.

politico.com/news/2020/06/0…