UPDATE: Manafort, Gates released on home confinement after 12-count indictment
Former Trump campaign chairman and his business associate have been released following their federal court appearance after a 12-count indictment was unsealed, on Monday.
The Associated Press reports that following a hearing before a federal judge, former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and his business associate Rick Gates were released on home confinement, in Washington. Both Manafort and Gates reportedly pleaded not guilty to the multiple charges including conspiracy to launder money. Manafort was apparently released on a $10 million bond and Gates was released on a $5 million bond. The conditions of their release mean the men will not be allowed to leave their homes except for medical appointments, religious observances and meetings with their attorneys.
Manafort of Alexandria, VA, and Gates of Richmond, VA, are reportedly accused of conspiracy against the United States and other felonies when a 12-count indictment was unsealed on Monday.
According to the Associated Press, Kevin Downing, attorney for Manafort, says there is "no evidence" that his client or the Trump campaign colluded with the Russian government. Special Counsel Robert Mueller is leading an ongoing investigation as part of his probe into possible coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia
Their next court date is scheduled for Thursday before U.S District Judge Amy Berman Jackson.
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President Trump weighs in on the charges against his former campaign chairman and the ongoing Special Counsel investigation into possible coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia.
According to the Associated Press, President Trump says the alleged misdeeds by his former campaign chairman were "years ago" and insists there was "No Collusion" between his 2016 campaign and Russia. Paul Manafort, the former Trump campaign chairman, and Rick Gates are facing charges including conspiracy to launder money and false statements. The indictments were reportedly unsealed on Monday
The Associated Press also reports that George Popadopoulos, a former trump campaign aide, pleaded guilty to one count of lying to FBI agents about the nature of his interactions with "foreign nationals" who he thought had close connections to senior Russian government officials. The plea given on October 5 was apparently unsealed on Monday.
Special Counsel Robert Mueller is leading the ongoing investigation as part of his probe into possible coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia
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On Friday, the former chairman for the Trump campaign and a business associate are apparently the first to be charged in special counsel Robert Mueller's five-month investigation into potential coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign.
According to ABC News Paul Manafort and Rick Gates have been charged in the on going Russia investigation.
Paul Manafort was the chairman for then presidential candidate, Donald Trump's campaign before being replaced days after allegations of Russian involvement arose.
Rick Gates however did stay on the campaign and remained a prominent figure. He was also apart of the transition team as well as the inaugural team for elected President Trump
The Associated Press reports that the indictments contain 12 counts, including conspiracy to launder money, failing to register as a foreign agent, false statements, and multiple counts of failing to file reports for foreign bank accounts. Both Manafort and Gates turned themselves in to the FBI on Monday. An investigation is still ongoing at this time and Department of Special Counsel Robert Mueller has been said to have hired officials who are experts in money laundering.
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