A federal judge said on Monday that for the time being Paul Manafort, the former Trump campaign chairman, and his associate Rick Gates will not be released from home confinement. The judge, Amy Berman Jackson, added they will also remain under GPS monitoring until she gets more information regarding their financial situation. She will then also decide on the two defendants’ bail.
Jackson pointed out that even after the information is filed Manafort and Gates will continue to be monitored, but could travel in Washington and Richmond respectively. They would probably not be allowed to come near transportation facilities or travel internationally and will have to meet an evening curfew.
“If financial arrangements are made that are satisfactory to the government, I am inclined to impose a less restrictive regime,” Jackson said. However, she said further details need to be considered before she issues a ruling.
The hearing to schedule the trial is set for December 11, while the trial is expected to take place as early as April 2018. The judge had previously proposed May for the beginning of the trial. Jackson is expected to issue the ruling before the hearing.
Manafort’s legal team and special counsel Robert Mueller disputed over the weekend on the extent and disclosure of Manafort’s assets. Manafort offered $10 million in assets as bail so that he could make business-related travels in Virginia, New York and Florida. Should he violate his bail, Manafort will owe $12.5 million in assets.
Manafort and Gates surrendered on October 30 following a 12-count indictment, including money laundering, conspiracy against the United States and other federal offenses with respect to their advising a pro-Russia political party in Ukraine, The Washington Post reports. They pleaded not guilty.
Be the first to comment