WASHINGTON — The turkey pardoned by President Donald Trump has had multiple contacts with Russian officials over the past year, Duffel Blog has learned.

Grav E. Gobbles, a 4-year-old bird from western Minnesota, received a pardon Tuesday during a ceremony in the Rose Garden. But how Gobbles was able to secure a presidential pardon has come under scrutiny, sources say.

According to sources, Gobbles met privately on multiple occasions with Russian officials over the past year, leading some to allege a pumpkin pie-to-play scheme. In one instance, for example, Gobbles spoke with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, though the details of what was discussed are still unknown.

"First, I'm never going to do that," Kislyak told reporters when asked for details of the meeting. "But I can tell you, without any reservation, our conversation was totally gravy."

Gobbles also reportedly met with Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn, according to sources, in a campaign on his own behalf. …