AP source: DOJ review of Russia probe now a criminal inquiry

Oct 25, 20190

Al Drago count

he Justice Department in Washington, March 24, 2019. The designation of a formal criminal investigation gives prosecutors the ability to issue subpoenas, potentially empanel a grand jury and compel witnesses to give testimony and bring federal criminal charges.

WASHINGTON - The Justice Department has shifted its review of the Russia probe to a criminal investigation, a person familiar with the matter said Thursday, a move that is likely to raise concerns that President Donald Trump and his allies may be using the powers of the government to go after their opponents.

The revelation comes as Trump is already facing scrutiny about a potential abuse of power, including a House impeachment inquiry examining whether he withheld military aid in order to pressure the president of Ukraine to launch an investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter.

http://www.startribune.com/ap-source-doj-review-of-russia-probe-now-a-criminal-inquiry/563820072/