Attorney General William Barr unloaded on Rep. Ted Deutch after the Florida Democrat questioned whether the Justice Department gave special treatment to Roger Stone.
During a hearing before a House committee on Tuesday, Deutch noted how the DOJ walked back an “unduly high” prison sentence recommendation for the longtime Trump confidante and fired off a line of questions deflected by the attorney general. Deutch argued that the Justice Department rarely reconsidered sentencing recommendations after releasing them, but Barr maintained that it was the right decision and that the decision was affirmed by the judge who went on to issue a shorter sentence.
“The judge agreed with me, congressman. The judge agreed with me,” Barr said, raising his voice.
Deutch asked Barr if he had influenced the federal judge’s decision to adjust the sentencing that was given to Stone. The change in sentencing took place after President Trump tweeted that the original sentencing recommendation of seven to nine years in jail was “disgraceful” and a “miscarriage of justice,” outraging some prosecutors who worked on the case.
Barr told Deutch he was not involved in the first sentencing discussions and that Timothy Shea, the acting U.S. attorney on the case, decided to make the change after talking to senior staff but not directly with him. Deutch continued to ask if Barr was involved in the sentencing.
“I think I speak English. I said that before he came in to see me, I believe he had some conversations with senior staff,” Barr said.
Stone was sentenced to 40 months in prison by the federal judge. His sentence was commuted by Trump before he spent any time in jail.
