A Democrat whistleblower’s allegations, backed by newly declassified FBI interview reports, are now threatening to upend the political career of Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA).If the whistleblower’s account is accurate and prosecutors pursue the case, Schiff could face not only career-ending political consequences but also staggering financial penalties and lengthy prison terms.As Tolman noted, the legal exposure could multiply quickly: “It depends on the counts in the indictment… The fine is up to $250,000 for every leak that’s charged.”
The whistleblower, who worked for Democrats on the committee for more than a decade, repeatedly told the FBI starting in 2017 that Schiff had authorized leaking classified intelligence to the media to damage then-President Donald Trump.
The whistleblower said that in an all-staff meeting, Schiff declared that “the group would leak classified information which was derogatory to President of the United States Donald J. Trump” and that the leaks “would be used to indict President Trump.”
The whistleblower claimed he immediately objected, telling Schiff the plan was “unethical and possibly treasonous,” but was assured by others that “we would not be caught leaking classified information.”
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Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the whistleblower says FBI leadership, including Director Christopher Wray, did nothing. He claims to have repeated the same account to agents from the bureau’s St. Louis office in 2023, again with no action taken.
Now, former U.S. Attorney Brett Tolman is warning of the potential penalties Schiff could face if prosecutors were to bring charges. In a conversation with political commentator Benny Johnson, Tolman explained that leaking classified information carries steep financial and criminal penalties.
“Yeah. I mean, the fine is up to $250,000 for every leak that’s charged, so it depends on the counts in the indictment,” Tolman told Johnson. “Also, keep in mind, some of the punishment hinges on the purpose of the classified leak or the possession of classified documentation illegally. The purpose becomes very important.”
Tolman said the context of the leak could prove decisive in determining punishment.
“I believe this was, in essence, the beginning of a conspiracy to take down a president, to impact his ability to lead,” he said. “There are other statutes — conspiracy statutes, interference with official proceedings, et cetera. A lot of people have a question about treason — ‘Is it treason?’ You probably don’t satisfy the elements for treason, but there are some related crimes that could come into play.”
Tolman added that if prosecutors found an intent “to undermine the United States,” the penalties could reach “up to 20 years in federal prison.”
The FBI’s inaction on the allegations fits into what critics describe as a pattern under Director Wray of shielding politically connected figures. Kash Patel, a former Trump administration official, has accused the bureau of ignoring serious misconduct while aggressively targeting political opponents.
Patel has pointed to the FBI’s use of confidential informants ahead of the Jan. 6 protests as proof that the agency had foreknowledge of events but failed to act appropriately.
Schiff has not yet issued a public response to the newly surfaced allegations. In the past, he has denied leaking classified material and characterized such claims as partisan attacks meant to discredit his oversight work.
Lizzy Musi, a race car driver who starred in the Discovery Channel's "Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings," has died a little more than a year after being diagnosed with stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer. She was 33.
Musi passed away June 27 at her North Carolina home with her family by her side, her father, fellow street racer Pat Musi, announced on Facebook.
"Surrounded by her Family, in the comfort of her own home, Lizzy was called to heaven at 11:25pm tonight. Thank you for all the prayers and support throughout her battle," he wrote.
Lizzy Musi revealed news of her cancer diagnosis on Instagram in April 2023.
"Hey Everyone, I haven’t been able to have much time to post due to an unexpected life change. A few days ago I have been Diagnosed with Triple Negative Stage 4 Breast Cancer that has moved to my lymph nodes to my liver," she wrote.
“I have a rough journey ahead of me. I appreciate everyone’s messages and calls,” she added.
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive type of invasive breast cancer that tends to grow and spread faster throughout the body, according to the American Cancer Society. There are also fewer treatments available, so patients tend to have worse outlooks.
About 10-15% of breast cancers are triple negative. Its signs and symptoms are similar to other types of breast cancer, such swelling in the breasts; changes to skin on the breast, including dimpling, redness, dryness, flaking or thickening; nipple discharge; pain in the breast or nipple; and swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collar bone.
Musi shared updates about her diagnosis on social media prior to her death. In June 2023, she posted a photo on Instagram that showed her with a shaved head, explaining in her caption that she decided to shave her head because of “extreme hair loss.”
“Well here is the new me ... some days are tough to look in the mirror but there are days where I feel stronger than ever,” she wrote.
In April 2024, Musi opened up in a Facebook video about how her diagnosis had changed her. The video showed her receiving various treatments at a hospital.
“I am so very thankful to what this journey has actually taught me. I now know I have a purpose in life. I am grateful to keep going,” she told fans.
The longtime street racer, who also appeared on the "Street Outlaws" spin-offs "Locals Only," "Gone Girl" and "Fastest in America," made history in 2014 when she became the first woman to win a Pro Nitrous national event at the Professional Drag Racers Association U.S. Drags, according to her official website.
In 2023, she became the first female driver to win an event on "Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings"
Musi's final post on Instagram featured a photo of red roses inside a hospital room. She tagged her location as Medias Klinikum Burghausen, a cancer treatment facility in Germany.
"Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers Mikey!!" she captioned the shot. "Made my morning on top of great news this morning!!"
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