Rick Gates, Paul Manafort’s former business associate took the witness stand Monday afternoon in the bank fraud and tax evasion case against Manafort.
Gates testified he committed crimes while working for Paul Manafort.
Via Fox News:
Rick Gates on Monday took the stand in the federal fraud case against his former business partner, ex-Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, testifying that he committed crimes while working for Manafort.
“Were you involved in criminal activity when you worked for Paul Manafort?” federal prosecutor Greg Andres asked the witness.
“Yes,” Gates replied.
“Did you commit a crime?” Andres asked.
“Yes,” Gates said.
Last week, Mueller’s prosecutors sent shockwaves through the Alexandria, VA courtroom when they admitted Manafort’s former business associate Rick Gates may not testify.
Rick Gates previously pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with Mueller; he was even referred to as the Special Counsel’s ‘star witness.’
Judge T.S. Ellis blasted Uso Asonye, Mueller’s prosecutor who told him Rick Gates may not testify.
On Friday, Judge Ellis lost his patience with Mueller’s prosecutors and ended court early, it will be interesting to see how the trial progresses Monday with this development.
Last week, Mueller’s prosecutors have skewered Manafort over his lavish lifestyle and expensive suits which drew a sharp rebuke from Judge Ellis.
“It isn’t a crime to have money and be profligate with your spending,” Judge Ellis said to Mueller’s prosecutor.
This story is developing…
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