There are a lot of idiot armchair prosecutors trolling FR today. Making a false statement in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1001 is a process crime that can result in a prison sentence of up to 5 years and a $250,000 fine. A prison sentence is the norm — just ask Martha Stewart and Rod Blagojevich, among others. Indeed, if not for Barr dropping the charges against General Flynn, you can bet that Judge Sullivan would have sentenced him to prison for pleading guilty to making a false statement. My guess is that Durham could have charged Clinesmith with a lot more than making a false statement, but agreed to the lesser charge in exchange for cooperation in the prosecution of others. If Clinesmith truly cooperates, then Durham will recommend a light sentence; if he doesn’t, then Durham will ask for the max.
Clinesmith would not alter the email without being told to. He exchanged that information/PROOF for his deal.