WASHINGTON – A former senior official in Donald Trump’s 2016 presidentialcampaign, Rick Gates, pleaded guilty on Friday to conspiracy against theUnited States and lying to investigators, and he is cooperating with afederal probe into Russia’s role in the election.
Gates, who was a deputy campaign manager is being investigated, which isprobing alleged Russian meddling in the U.S. election.
Gates had been potentially facing decades in prison on much more seriouscharges, including bank fraud and conspiracy to launder money. Under thecharges he pleaded guilty to, he faces a maximum sentence of nearly sixyears.
Prosecutors said they could ask the judge for a reduction in Gates’sentence based on the extent of his cooperation with Mueller’s probe.
The plea increases pressure on Paul Manafort who was Trump’s campaignmanager for five months in 2016, to also seek a plea deal. However,Manafort said in a statement issued after Gates’ plea deal that hemaintained his innocence.
Cooperation by Gates, and potentially by Manafort at a later stage, couldprovide a rich vein of information for Mueller, whose Russia probe includeslooking into whether Trump’s campaign colluded with Moscow to interfere inthe election.
Rick gates Was Donald Trump’s deputy manager during his 2016 presidentialcampaign
Gates’ plea deal appeared to be partially motivated by his concern overlegal costs and the strain on his family.
Prosecutors allege that Manafort, with Gates’ assistance, laundered morethan $30 million and duped banks into lending money. It says the pair usedfunds from secret offshore accounts to enjoy a life of luxury.
None of the charges to date against Gates or Manafort have made referenceto any connection with Russian meddling in the 2016 election or possiblecollusion. Russia has denied the accusations of interference. Trump hassaid there was no collusion, and has also denied any attempt to obstructMueller’s probe.
Mueller, appointed by the Department of Justice last year, has a broadbrief that allows him to look into any wrongdoing uncovered in the courseof his investigation. Agencies