Recent internal emails from the FBI have revealed significant information about Daniel Richman, a close friend of former FBI Director James Comey, in connection to Comey's indictment for allegedly lying to Congress. These emails suggest that Richman was made aware of ethics rules regarding government information and might play a critical role in the trial.
1. Indictment of James Comey:
• Comey has been indicted for allegedly lying to Congress about authorizing FBI leaks to the media, specifically regarding investigations tied to Hillary Clinton.
• The indictment states that Comey misled the Senate when he denied authorizing any leaks related to these investigations.
2. Daniel Richman's Role:
• Richman, a former Department of Justice official and a law professor, was involved in leaking information to the press, including the release of the "Comey Memos" following Comey’s firing.
• Despite being aware of ethics guidelines prohibiting leaks, Richman continued to communicate with Comey and other FBI officials during his tenure as a Special Government Employee (SGE).
3. Ethics Guidelines:
• Richman signed documents acknowledging the ethics rules barring leaks for non-public information.
• Internal emails indicate that although Richman's term as an SGE lapsed, he continued functioning in that role until his resignation in February 2017.
4. Communication with the Media:
• Richman's communication with journalists was focused on shaping news narratives in favor of Comey and addressing critical coverage about him and the FBI.
• He has stated that he planned to remain silent about FBI matters despite frequent media contacts.
5. Upcoming Trial and Legal Implications:
• Comey has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is set to start in January. Richman’s involvement and adherence to ethics rules may be scrutinized, with potential implications for legal consequences against him as well.
• The Department of Justice ultimately decided not to pursue charges against staffers despite evidence of possible leaks.
The released internal communications provide a detailed look into Daniel Richman’s actions and connections with James Comey during their time at the FBI, outlining how Richman's relationships and potential violations of ethics rules might impact the proceedings against Comey. The upcoming trial will likely focus on the extent of Richman's involvement and adherence to established guidelines regarding the sharing of government information.
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