LEGAL/PAUL MANAFORT/ROBERT MUELLER/TRUMP PEOPLE: “U.S. prosecutors on Monday [8-13-18] rested their case against former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort after 10 days of testimony alleging how he avoided taxes on at least $16 million of income and lied to banks to maintain an extravagant lifestyle once his work for pro-Kremlin politicians in Ukraine dried up. More than two dozen witnesses painted a picture of Manafort, 69, as a lavish spender with little regard for the law. A political consultant in the Ukraine, Manafort stashed his money in 31 undisclosed offshore bank accounts, and skirted taxes on that income by wiring it directly to vendors to snap up real estate, bespoke suits, cars and antique rugs, the witnesses said. It is unclear whether Manafort’s lawyers will call any witnesses, and legal experts say it is highly unlikely that Manafort himself will take the stand. Closing statements could take place as early as Tuesday [8-14-18], after which the 12-person jury will begin deliberations. If found guilty on all charges, Manafort could face eight to 10 years in prison based on federal sentencing guidelines, according to sentencing expert Justin Paperny. The trial is in its 10th day in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia. The case arose from U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.”
–Nathan Layne, Karen Freifeld, “Prosecutors rest case against Manafort on trial’s 10th day,” Reuters, August 13, 2018 3:06 am