Bill Barr Assigns His Top Counsel at DOJ to Oversee Lingering Mueller Cases

US Attorney General William Barr

US Attorney General Bill Barr assigned his top aide to be the interim US Attorney in Washington, D.C. to oversee the lingering Mueller cases.

Mr. Barr chose his top counsel at the DOJ, Timothy Shea, to replace outgoing US Attorney Jessie Liu to “oversee some of the lingering cases from special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation.”

Associated Press reported:

Attorney General William Barr on Thursday named Timothy Shea, one of his closest advisers, to be the next top prosecutor in the nation’s capital.

Shea will lead the largest U.S. attorney’s office in the country, which has been historically responsible for some of the most significant and politically sensitive cases the Justice Department brings in the U.S.

He is a senior counselor to the attorney general and was Barr’s right-hand man helping institute reforms at the federal Bureau of Prisons after Jeffrey Epstein’s death at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City.

As the U.S. attorney in the District of Columbia, Shea would oversee some of the lingering cases from special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation, along with a number of politically charged investigations. The office is also generally responsible for handling potential prosecutions if Congress finds a witness in contempt.

“Tim brings to this role extensive knowledge and expertise in law enforcement matters as well as an unwavering dedication to public service, reflected in his long and distinguished career in state and federal government,” Bill Barr said in a statement. “His reputation as a fair prosecutor, skillful litigator, and excellent manager is second-to-none, and his commitment to fighting violent crime and the drug epidemic will greatly benefit the city of Washington.”

And the lefties are triggered.

While the position does require senate confirmation, federal judges may vote to appoint a US Attorney after a 120 day window.

General Mike Flynn recently withdrew his guilty plea, after federal prosecutors in a sentencing memo sought to put him in prison for up to six months.

Shortly after Flynn withdrew his guilty plea, federal prosecutors from the US Attorney’s Office backed down from their sentencing recommendation and asked for probation instead of prison.

Barr shouldn’t be installing any US Attys. Constitution gives President power to nominate such officials, requiring Senate confirmation to hold office.

The repeated circumvention of Congress to install people in powerful roles loyal only to Trump is a scandal of highest order. https://t.co/h3OMlriQYt

— Ian Bassin (@ianbassin) January 30, 2020

One day after USAO DC mysteriously backs off its sentencing recommendation for Mike Flynn, a new US Attorney is named. https://t.co/6vhaod9POF

— southpaw (@nycsouthpaw) January 30, 2020