Gates said his responsibilities increased over the years, but he considered himself merely an employee of the firm, and he believed Manafort thought of him the same way. He said the two men did not socialize outside of work, though they sometimes met about work at Manaforts homes.
After addressing the two mens work, Andres moved to the heart of the case.
Did you commit crimes with Mr. Manafort? the prosecutor asked.
Yes, Gates responded.
Gates went on to acknowledge his plea agreement, and the parties soon conferred at the judges bench to discuss it. As they did so, Gates continued to stare ahead, not looking at Manafort. Manafort took a few notes
Don't know how it works in Washington, but in Missouri, they don't usually put an employee's name first on the letterhead.