No verdict as Manafort jury breaks for weekend

Gates, of course, has already pled guilty and is cooperating with Mueller and his investigators not only on the cases against Manafort but also the broader Russian Federation investigation. Trump has repeatedly denied his campaign colluded with Russian efforts to manipulate the outcome of the election and regularly calls Mueller’s investigation a “witch hunt”.

Manafort worked from 2006-2017 for several foreign governments, including that of ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich. It’s still possible that Manafort could be charged with state crimes, as long as they don’t overlap with the federal charges he is now facing.

Mr Manafort’s defence countered he wasn’t culpable because he left the particulars of his finances to others.

Not only are prosecutors trying Manafort for 18 counts – an unusually high total – but their case involves complex tax and bank loan laws.

Judge T.S. Ellis III said he’s not going to reveal the specifics of the threats he received.

The jurors asked whether someone is required to file the report if they own less than 50 percent of the account, do not have signature authority but control disbursement of funds.

A number of media outlets had earlier requested the names of jurors.

The judge also said he would not release the names and addresses of jurors sought by media outlets because he was anxious about their “peace and safety”.

The president’s personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, said he’s advised the president that the investigation needs to conclude before any potential pardons would take place.

In the District, meanwhile, Manafort will face a judge who has already seen fit to put him in jail ahead of trial.

Despite having millions stashed in 31 overseas bank accounts, Manafort did not file FBARs between 2011 and 2014, prosecutors contend.

Initially Manafort was confined to a “VIP” jail in Warsaw, Virginia., where his cell had a private bathroom and he had phone and computer access. “I think instead he’s engaged in a campaign strategically created to communicate to some of his former friends like Paul Manafort, like Cohen, and in essence dangle pardons on Twitter”. However, the president did describe what is happening to Manafort as “sad”.

Atkins noted that Donald Trump has a legal obligation to remain quiet about an ongoing trial, and that his words constitute a criminal attempt to tamper with the jury, which would be an impeachable offense.