ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Paul Manafort's attorneys went on the attack Monday, asserting that the former Trump campaign chief's top deputy, Rick Gates, directed accountants to falsify Manafort's tax returns because he had "embezzled millions of dollars" from their consulting firm.
Manafort attorney Kevin Downing told U.S. District Judge T.S.Ellis III that he intended to present evidence of the embezzlement when Gates is called to testify, as soon as Monday afternoon.
Downing's surprise disclosure came during his examination of a Manafort accountant who testified last week that she knowingly filed false tax returns on Manafort's behalf.
On Monday, Laporta, who was provided immunity against prosecution in exchange for her testimony, told a federal court jury that Gates often provided late or incomplete information when she requested additional material for the preparation of Manafort's business and personal returns.
“It was difficult to follow,” Laporta said of Manafort’s financial operations. “I relied on Rick Gates ... The information I had was his representation.”
Gates pleaded guilty to conspiracy and lying to the FBI earlier this year as part of an agreement to cooperate with prosecutors.
Defense attorneys declared during opening arguments last week that they intended to blame Gates for Manafort’s legal troubles.
The case against Manafort – 18 criminal counts of tax evasion, bank fraud and conspiracy – is the first to be tried by special counsel Robert Mueller and focuses on Manafort's business dealings. It doesn't directly have to do with Manafort's work for President Donald Trump.
WJAX
