Former Trump campaign head Paul Manafort’s accountant testified Friday in federal court that she had concerns about the accuracy of her client’s tax returns but submitted them anyway, Fox News informed.
The testimony, on the fourth day of the trial, comes as prosecutors try to find evidence that Manafort knowingly violated tax and bank laws related to his political work overseas. Manafort has pleaded not guilty.
Cynthia Laporta, a certified public accountant with the firm KWC who is testifying with immunity, admitted she did have concerns about the representations given to her about loans by Manafort and his business partner, Rick Gates.
“Did you believe those representations?”Assistant U.S. Attorney Uzo Asonye asked Laporta on Friday afternoon.
“No,” she replied.
“Did you still file those taxes?” Asonye asked.
“Yes,” Laporta said.
Laporta confirmed she was testifying under immunity because of the fear that she could be prosecuted for her actions.
Laporta also told prosecutors she “very much” regrets filing Manafort’s tax returns.
“At the time did you believe it was right or wrong?” Asonye asked.
“Wrong,” answered Laporta. “I could have refused to file … but that could expose the firm” to the risk of litigation.
Laporta went on to say she could have called Manafort and Gates liars, but said Manafort was “a longtime client.”
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