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Author: Raine    Date: 08/22/2018 13:02:04

Today is a good day. The Washington Post headlines:
Cohen pleads guilty, implicates Trump in payoff scheme


Manafort found guilty of fraud in a major victory for Mueller investigation


Cohen's lawyer was interviewed by Dr. Maddow last night, here is a snippet of what may be coming down the pipe:


In addition, there is this statement from Mr. Davis.
“He has flatly authorized me to say under no circumstances would he accept a pardon from Mr. Trump, who used the pardon power in a way that no president in American history has ever used a pardon—to relieve people of guilt who committed crimes who are political cronies of his.”


Manafort, aged 69, is going to jail.
Manafort faces a maximum of 15 years in prison for the tax fraud charges, a maximum of five years for the one charge of failing to report a foreign bank or financial account, and up to 60 years for the two bank fraud charges, which each carry a maximum sentence of up to 30 years.

Federal prosecutors said in a February court filing, however, that Manafort will likely only get eight to 10 years for the tax fraud charges, based on the federal sentencing guidelines, which are advisory.
While he'll likely not face 80 years, he'll likely not see freedom again. In September, he faces another trial in DC. That trial includes the charge of 'conspiracy to defraud the United States, failing to register as a foreign agent, money laundering, witness tampering and making false statements'.

Possibly lost in the Cohen/Manafort news was the indictments of California GOP Representative Duncan Hunter and his wife.

Rep. Duncan D. Hunter (Calif.) and his wife, Margaret, were charged in a 47-page indictment that details how they allegedly used campaign money to live beyond their means, funding trips to Italy, Hawaii and other places, as well as school tuition, dental work and theater tickets. The Justice Department said in a news release that the couple also allegedly spent tens of thousands of dollars on more modest items, such as golf outings, video games and even home utilities.

(snip)

The Justice Department alleged the couple falsely described their purchases in Federal Election Commission filings as “campaign travel,” “dinner with volunteers/contributors,” or by using other seemingly innocent descriptions. They allegedly described the payment of their family dental bills as a charitable contribution to “Smiles For Life,” and tickets to see “Riverdance” at the San Diego Civic Theater as “San Diego Civic Center for Republican Women Federated/Fundraising.”

The indictment also alleges that Hunter spent campaign funds on social outings with another congressman, who is identified only as “Congressman A.” In March 2010, for example, the indictment alleges that Hunter spent more than $120 at Birchmere Music Hall with that congressman and two others, and the next month, Hunter claimed a $256 reimbursement for driving his car on a trip to Virginia Beach with the same group.


Hunter and Representative Chris Collins (R-NY26) were both early supports of the occupant of the White House. They are both indicted on financial crimes. House Speaker made a statement:
House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., called the charges against Hunter "deeply serious." In a statement Tuesday, he said he would remove Hunter from his committee assignments for now. He didn't call for Hunter to resign.

Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said the indictments reflect the GOP culture in Washington. She said Hunter has "broken the public trust" and called for him to resign.

“The American people deserve better than the GOP’s corruption, cronyism, and incompetence," Pelosi said.
The leaders of the House and the Senate are both very quiet about the Manafort and Cohen stories.

And so, we are halfway through the week, let's see what else unfolds. Yesterday was a step forward to returning to the rule of law.

Oh, before I go,, just tweeted:

If anyone is looking for a good lawyer, I would strongly suggest that you don’t retain the services of Michael Cohen!


and

Raine
 
 

33 comments (Latest Comment: 08/23/2018 01:17:31 by Will in Chicago)
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