Politics

Manafort ‘Cooperating’ With Mueller After Plea Deal

Reuters

Saagar Enjeti White House Correspondent
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Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort is cooperating with Special Counsel Robert Mueller as part of a broader plea agreement to avoid trial.

Andrew Weissman, prosecutor for Mueller’s team, told the DC circuit court that Manafort entered into a 17-page cooperation agreement with Mueller’s team. The details of the cooperation agreement have not yet been revealed, but it indicates he is likely to reveal more about his past actions on behalf of the Ukrainian government.

Manafort was facing several charges brought by Mueller’s team regarding years of illegal lobbying on behalf of the Ukrainian government. The charges also detailed how Manafort and his associates actively attempted to hide his illegal lobbying activity and accepted millions of dollars via indiscreet channels. (RELATED: Manafort Indictment Also Implicates Tony Podesta, The Clinton-Connected Superlobbyist)

Manafort was previously convicted of several counts of tax evasion in Virginia but a mistrial was declared on others. Mueller’s team dropped remaining charges that Manafort was not convicted on in Virginia which resolves any outstanding criminal liability he may face. The former Trump campaign chairman is likely now to spend significant time in federal prison.