BREAKING: FBI Official Involved In Trump-Russia Witch Hunt To Plead Guilty On Corruption Charges

Charles McGonigal, the former head of counterintelligence at the FBI New York office, is slated to plead guilty to corruption charges. The charges stem from work he allegedly undertook for a sanctioned Russian oligarch after his departure from the government, as revealed by a court order.

McGonigal was a key figure in the FBI’s contentious investigation into “Russiagate” involving former President Donald Trump. This investigation eventually resulted in the appointment of Robert Mueller as a special counsel to examine potential Russian interference in the 2016 election.

McGonigal, a once-respected figure within the FBI, was indicted earlier this year on a series of charges, including violating US sanctions, conspiracy, and money laundering. These charges are linked to his work in 2021 with Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, a figure who was sanctioned for his alleged role in interfering in the 2016 US presidential election.

On the same day as the indictment related to his work with Deripaska, McGonigal was also charged in a separate case in Washington. This case involved the concealment of $225,000 that he allegedly received from a former Albanian intelligence employee.

The dual charges paint a picture of a high-ranking FBI official allegedly involved in a web of international corruption, creating questions about the integrity of the FBI once again.

Judge Jennifer Reardon, who is overseeing the New York case, issued an order indicating that she had been informed of McGonigal’s potential intention to change his plea. In response, she has set a plea proceeding for next week. The development suggests a significant shift in McGonigal’s legal strategy and could potentially expedite the resolution of the case.

McGonigal was under a legal obligation to inform the FBI about his interactions with foreign authorities. However, he is accused of concealing these connections while engaging in business activities and international travel that were incompatible with his professional responsibilities.

He pleaded not guilty to the four counts: Conspiring to violate and evade US sanctions, money laundering, conspiring to commit money laundering, and conspiring to violate federal law against doing business with sanctioned individuals.

In relation to the Albania case, McGonigal’s attorney, Seth DuCharme, made a statement last week at a court hearing in Washington. He indicated that there was a “decent chance the case is going to be resolved” without having to go to trial. He also noted that a definitive decision should be known just after Labor Day.

McGonigal’s case is particularly notable due to his high-ranking position within the FBI. As one of the highest-ranking former FBI officials to be charged with a crime, a potential guilty plea could have far-reaching implications for the public’s perception of the FBI and its operations.