Posted on 08/10/2018 1:50:23 PM PDT by yesthatjallen
Paul Manafort’s criminal trial on bank and tax fraud charges was held up for several hours on Friday as the federal judge presiding over the case repeatedly met with federal prosecutors and Manafort’s defense attorneys.
Judge T.S. Ellis III, who has otherwise placed a priority on the trial moving quickly, pushed the start of witness testimony in the trial until Friday afternoon, according to multiple media reports.
Ellis began the day by holding a bench conference with attorneys from both sides before the jury was called into the courtroom, and held a second conference before leaving the room “to consider an issue," according to The Washington Post.
Multiple news outlets noted that the judge did not exit through the door toward his chambers, but instead through doors in the direction of the jury room.
Ellis returned about 45 minutes later, at which point he summoned in the jury for attendance and said they would then take an early lunch break.
He reiterated to the jury the importance of not discussing the case with anyone, reminding them that Manafort has “a presumption of innocence” and to “keep an open mind until all the evidence is in," Politico reported.
The delay came after special counsel Robert Mueller’s team criticized Ellis in a court filing Friday, urging the judge to tell the jury to ignore one of his previous comments in order to prevent them from misunderstanding the gravity of testimony presented to them.
Ellis had interjected Thursday during the questioning of a bank employee by prosecutor Uzo Asonye. The employee was discussing how Manafort attempted but failed to get a $5.5 million construction loan, according to Politico.
“You might want to spend time on a loan that was granted,” the judge said.
“Your honor, this is a charged count in the indictment,” Asonye responded.
“I know that,” Ellis said.
That exchange was addressed Friday in a court filing by prosecutors.
“The Court’s statement that the government ‘might want to spend time on a loan that was granted’ misrepresents the law regarding bank fraud conspiracy, improperly conveys the Court’s opinion of the facts, and is likely to confuse and mislead the jury,” prosecutors wrote.
The filing marked the second time that federal prosecutors have requested Ellis issue a corrective statement during the trial.
The judge said Thursday that he was “probably wrong” for criticizing prosecutors for having one of their witnesses, IRS revenue agent Michael Welch, in the courtroom ahead of his testimony. Ellis had previously given prosecutors permission to let Welch observe the trial before he was called to the stand.
Friday's unexplained delay has sparked speculation among observers that there could be discussions about a potential plea deal. But there have been no other signs that a plea agreements is in the works, and Manafort's lawyer said ahead of the trial that the former Trump campaign chairman would not agree to one.
Federal prosecutors were expected to call their final witnesses on Friday, but the delay suggests they could continue presenting their case early next week.
Dennis Raico, a former employee at Federal Savings Bank in Chicago, took the stand on Friday afternoon. Bloomberg News reported that Raico testified that the bank's chief executive officer Stephen Calk expedited approval of a loan to Manafort and wanted his assistance in getting a job in the Trump administration.
“”””””””””’Dennis Raico, a former employee at Federal Savings Bank in Chicago, took the stand on Friday afternoon. Bloomberg News reported that Raico testified that the bank’s chief executive officer Stephen Calk expedited approval of a loan to Manafort and wanted his assistance in getting a job in the Trump administration.”””””””””””””””
Well????????????? Did he get the job or are you just making it up?
Can’t believe that not getting a loan, for whatever reason, is a crime....
Not getting a loan is positive proof of Russian collusion.
Submitting false information on the loan application is the issue.
Do you believe it is?
What do you think he would plead guilty to?
Gee. They have him on a loan he never got and a purported job never received and Gates stealing from him. Oh and the court trial transcript actually includes “(Laughter.)”
“You might want to spend time on a loan that was granted,” the judge said.
“Your honor, this is a charged count in the indictment,” Asonye responded.
“I know that,” Ellis said.
In reviewing the indictment, I find references to two successful loans. No charges about unsuccessful loan applications, including any from Citizens Bank of NY. I don’t understand Ellis’s “I now that”. Loan fraud is a “charged count”. Loan fraud relating to Citizen’s bank is not (maybe I missed it in the 31 pages).
Lying on the application is the charged crime.
Looks like a mistrial.
Re: “What do you think he would plead guilty to?”
Whatever the Feds agree to offer.
Because of his age (69), he is essentially looking at a life sentence.
Since the crimes are all financial - tax fraud, etc. - it will be almost impossible politically for Trump to commute his sentence or pardon him.
Those accounts received $30 million in undeclared taxable income - a felony.
And Manafort made direct personal payments from those foreign accounts to various USA vendors - a felony.
No Mr. Mueller, no do overs...........
So why did Rosenstein say there was nothing to see 10 years ago?
“””””””””Since the crimes are all financial - tax fraud, etc. - it will be almost impossible politically for Trump to commute his sentence or pardon him.””””””””””””
Slick pardoned Marc Rich, the biggest tax cheat in American history.
If the prosecution thinks they are losing I wouldn’t put it past them to try for a mistrial for Ellis’ comments then they can keep the shadow over Trump, instead of losing the case and giving Trump a win.
Yeah, on the very last day of his presidency, when there was no political price to pay.
Millions of people lie on loan applications.
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