Michael Flynn Will Keep Military Rank And Pension Despite Guilty Plea

[DonViejo]

12/01/2017 05:35 pm ET Updated 18 hours ago

Michael Flynn Will Keep Military Rank And Pension Despite Guilty Plea

“Flynn could commit murder today, and be convicted ... and still retain his retired general status with pension,” one expert said.

By Akbar Shahid Ahmed

WASHINGTON ― By admitting on Friday that he lied to the FBI while he was President Donald Trump’s national security adviser, Michael Flynn has further tarnished the reputation he built in the military, already marred by his behavior on the campaign trail, and made it almost impossible for him to hold high office again.

But he hasn’t lost his lieutenant general rank or the annual pension of likely more than $100,000 that he has been receiving since he retired in 2014 after 33 years in the military.

The plea deal Flynn reached with special counsel Robert Mueller as part of the investigation into potential collusion between Russia and Trump does not mention either issue.

That’s because there is no obligation for Flynn to surrender those service-related privileges despite his new status as an admitted criminal, experts say.

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https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/michael-flynn-will-keep-military-rank-and-pension_us_5a219b9fe4b0a02abe90ff61

[janterry]

1. I read a message board moderated by MIT for felons

and folks who want to comment. One of the men was convicted for bringing a young teen over state lines. He has retained all of his benefits because he had left the service prior to the crime.

I imagine this is similar. I suppose I support that (however distasteful it seems). If someone served honorably, they are entitled to our support - despite what happens when they return.

[bettyellen]

2. I'd agree but if it's treason, I think he should be stripped of rank and pay restitution. Somehow.

[Fullduplexxx]

3. Perhaps it was part of his "deal" to cooperate

[bettyellen]

6. It's weird because Maddow's guest said there was likely much more they can charge him with...

And that it's meant as leverage to make sure he fulfills this deal. I hope he does and they turn around and find something else to charge him with. Cannot wait to see pics of him in jail clothes.

[tazkcmo]

4. When I was in the Army

It was pounded into my head that there are no generals in Leavenworth. They are all privates. In other words you lose your rank Privileges and benefits. But then again, I don't pretend to be an expert in military or civilian law in spite of having stayed at a Holiday Inn Express.

[janterry]

10. Interesting

Is this true even if the event is after you retire? He wouldn't go to Leavenworth, after all, if he goes to prison - it would be a federal prison (wouldn't it)?

[tazkcmo]

11. Leavenworth has a Federal Prison

Since America treats the rich and powerful differently than us commoners then he won't go to a facility like Leavenworth, he would go to a much nicer prison. His plea agreement doesn't call for incarceration though which speaks volumes about the information he's provided Mueller.
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As for if his felon status (He plead guilty to a felony charge of lying to the FBI so he is an official Felon) lawfully can effect his military benefits, I don't know. A lawyer familiar with the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) could answer that question but it seems on the surface no.

[DetroitLegalBeagle]

12. yes

The only way he goes to Leavenworth or gets his rank and pension stripped is if the Army decides to court martial him.

[Baitball Blogger]

13. The bough will break.

I do think retired officers are pushing it too far. People will eventually get fed up with this privilege.

[58Sunliner]

5. He should not be able to keep anything.

His ability to attain the jobs, contacts, etc.. were premised in part on his history within the military, with his rank. That treasonous POS should have to sing and rot in jail.

[MarieG2]

16. Turkey

Agreed...and since his “jobs” have included working for a Russian news site, and agreeing to return an individual to Turkey for assasination...chaps my a** to think my tax coin will keep this “guy” living comfy until he’s dead...

[3catwoman3]

7. My retired-Air Force career husband is...

...furious about Flynn, and absolutely thinks his retirement should be forfeit.

[mucifer]

8. He's evil and this makes me sick but if we could get trump and pence out

with his help, that would be good.

[Pachamama]

9. I believe that the documents Flynn agreed to and the charges pleaded to, do not prevent the UCMJ to

...charge him under the military law and code as an active duty officer.

I have been saying since early in the year (under the advisement of my stepfather who is a retired 3 star Lt. general like Flynn and knows Flynn) that he still falls under the UCMJ. And I believe that this is part of the "deal" - that if he cooperates, the military holds back and he even gets to keep his pension.

But depending on what happens in his cooperation etc., they could proceed and charge him and strip him even of his stars and other benefits.

[oasis]

14. His prison food will still taste the same as his cell mates. nt

[safeinOhio]

15. His pension

Won’t even begin to pay for the lawyers.