In 2018, Sullivan, who happens to be African-American, shocked many in the country when he did not hide his assessment of Michael Flynn’s admitted actions in this case when he proclaimed to Flynn in court, “I can’t hide my disgust, my disdain [for your actions].”
In mid-May Sullivan took, what at the time was described as an extraordinary step to appoint retired Federal Judge John Gleeson to evaluate whether Flynn should face charges of contempt for perjury since Flynn has petitioned to withdraw his guilty plea; and to assess the constitutionality of the DOJ’s move to dismiss the charges against him.
Sullivan quickly appointed former federal judge and current partner with Debevoise & Plimpton, John Gleeson to provide an outside assessment of the Justice Department’s decision to dismiss the case.
Gleeson concluded, “It [DOJ] has treated the case like no other, and in doing so has undermined the public’s confidence in the rule of law,” and recommended Flynn be sentenced for having twice pled guilty to the charges levied against him.
Gleeson’s feedback will be weighed in the equation by Judge Sullivan as he contemplates whether to dismiss the charges against Flynn as requested by the DOJ.