they did that with McGreevy for the whole “I am a gay American” stint, when in reality the dude was going to get indicted for his corruption problems.
They also did the Toricelli swap out
and don’t forget bridgegate, which was the foundation game plan for Russiagate (spygate).
And it worked. Neither was indicted. Thus proving the adage that to the feds, a democrat politican being out of power is punishment enough, no charges required.