Paul Manafort trial: Prosecutors to rest case Monday at financial fraud trial

Prosecutors to rest case Monday at Manafort financial fraud trial

By Associated Press

Paul Manafort, President Donald Trump’s former campaign chairman, lied to prosecutors repeatedly despite his plea deal to cooperate, according to a filing Friday from Justice Department special counsel Robert Mueller. | AP file photo

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Prosecutors in Paul Manafort’s financial fraud trial say they expect to rest their case Monday.

The former Trump campaign chairman’s trial was delayed for hours Friday without explanation after the judge huddled with his bailiff and attorneys for both sides.

U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III did not acknowledge the delay. But after calling the recess, he left the courtroom, heading toward the jury room. He also repeatedly reminded the jury not to discuss the case at all. That included telling them not even to comment on the attire of any witnesses.

Manafort’s defense is not required to say whether they will call any witnesses until after the government rests. His attorneys have tried to undermine the evidence against him by blaming any crimes on his longtime deputy, Rick Gates.

• Prosecutors shift focus to fraud charges in Paul Manafort trial

• Stephen Calk, the Chicago banker emerging as a key figure in the Manafort case

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