Just from this transcript in the court, Manafort was under investigation by the DOJ as early as 2005. Obviously no indictments were made until the SC was named and wanted something on Trump.
Judge Ellis does not specifically say, but does seem to have the Statute of Limitations in mind. If Manafort’s actions were crimes, why wasn’t he prosecuted years ago?
The SC seems to be lying by claiming the SC investigation uncovered new facts about those long-past Manafort actions.
I love this judge. He may not dismiss the case, but he is exposing what Mueller is up to.