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DOJ: Manafort lied to FBI, violated plea agreement

Posted at 7:18 PM, Nov 26, 2018
and last updated 2018-11-27 06:30:47-05

In a joint status update filed in federal court, Special Counsel Robert Mueller's team claimed that former Trump campaign head Paul Manafort had lied to investigators after promising to cooperate with Mueller as part of a plea agreement. 

On Sept. 14, Manafort pleaded guilty on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States and witness tampering. Manafort has remained in prison awaiting sentencing. 

Part of the update reads: "The plea agreement provides that if the defendant fails to fulfill completely “each and every one” of his obligations under this agreement, or “engages in any criminal activity prior to sentencing,” the defendant will be in breach of the agreement. A breach relieves the government of any obligations it has under the agreement, including its agreement to a reduction in the Sentencing Guidelines for acceptance of responsibility, but leaves intact all the obligations of the defendant as well as his guilty pleas."

Manafort's counsel disputed the FBI's claims. 

The report states, "After signing the plea agreement, Manafort met with the government on numerous occasions and answered the government’s questions. Manafort has provided information to the government in an effort to live up to his cooperation obligations. He believes he has provided truthful information and does not agree with the government’s characterization or that he has breached the agreement. Given the conflict in the parties’ positions, there is no reason to delay the sentencing herein, and he asks the Court to set a sentencing date in this matter."