Comey: Mueller could be in the "fourth quarter" of the investigation in Russia

Former FBI director James Comey speculates that special adviser Robert Mueller may be in the "fourth quarter" of his Russia investigation, citing the agreement reached with former Trump campaign president Paul Manafort.

(AP Photo / J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Former FBI director James Comey speculates that special adviser Robert Mueller may be in the "fourth quarter" of his Russia investigation, citing the agreement reached with former Trump campaign president Paul Manafort.

When asked at what stage of the investigation into Russia, Mr. Comey was questioned, he told St. Louis Public Radio that "the condemnation – Paul's plea and cooperation Manafort – could represent the fourth quarter. . "

"The way you conduct your investigations normally, is that you work from the base up, and so they become very high," Comey said.

Comey, sacked by President Trump in May 2017, led the FBI when the bureau began investigating whether people associated with the Trump campaign had helped the Russians in their efforts to meddle in the 2016 elections.

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This investigation ultimately led to the appointment of Mueller as a special advisor. The investigation also led to charges against Manafort unrelated to the 2016 campaign.

Last month, Manafort was convicted of eight charges of bank and tax fraud, making him the first Trump campaign associate convicted in the Mueller investigation. Last week, Manafort pled guilty in a separate case of overseas lobbying offenses as part of an advocacy agreement involving cooperation with Mueller.

Comey, who was criticized by President Trump and other Republicans over the investigation of Russia, pointed out that he could not say for sure if Mueller was nearing the end of the # 39; investigation. his shot from Comey.

"The reason I'm even reluctant to say that, is that Bob Mueller has conducted his investigation as a pro – you know nothing about it except through his public filings, and that's how it happens, "said Comey. "And so I can not say for sure where he is."

Comey's comments date from the same week Trump has ordered the declassification of several key documents related to the FBI's investigation into Russian actions during the 2016 presidential election, including text messages from Comey and several other key players in the "no editorial" Russian inquiry – including Bruce Ohr, Peter Strzok, Lisa Page and former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe.

Samuel Chamberlain of Fox News contributed to this report.