Paul Manafort's associate, 'star witness' Rick Gates 'may testify ... he may not,' prosecutor teases

[DonViejo]

Source: CNBC

A federal prosecutor on Wednesday sparked a flurry of speculation that Rick Gates, the "star witness" expected at the trial of Republican lobbyist Paul Manafort would not actually take the stand and give testimony against his former business associate.

Gates has pleaded guilty to charges brought by special counsel Robert Mueller, who accuses Manafort of crimes related to his work for a pro-Russia political party in Ukraine.

Dan Mangan | Kevin Breuninger
Published 37 Mins Ago Updated 7 Mins Ago

A federal prosecutor sparked speculation Wednesday that Rick Gates, the "star witness" expected to testify at the of former Trump campaign boss Paul Manafort would not actually take the witness stand against his longtime business associate.

Also Wednesday, prosecutors presented detailed evidence about Manafort's ultra-expensive tastes in clothing, silk rugs and watches, even as the trial judge pushed back hard on such tactics, saying prosecutors should not try to convict someone just "because they wear nice suits."

Judge T.S. Ellis III repeatedly prodded prosecutors to speed up the pace of their case, which is only in its second day.

It was one such admonition by Ellis that led to an exchange about Gates, a former Trump campaign official himself who is considered crucial to the case being brought by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Gates was Manafort's right-hand man in his consulting business.

Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/01/paul-manafort-associate-rick-gates-may-testify-he-may-not.html

[rzemanfl]

1. Looks to me like they want to get Manafort to subpoena him as the designated fall guy. n/t

[Achilleaze]

2. !

[rzemanfl]

3. If Gates is Manafort's witness the government can get his testimony in on cross-examination.

They can ask leading questions. If the government doesn't call him and Manafort doesn't either, the defense would have to eat their opening statement during closing arguments.