Rick Gates, who worked for the Trump campaign as a deputy chairman, was offered “monetary assistance” as a bribe to refuse to cooperate with federal prosecutors during special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian election meddling, according to a new court filing.
The government filed a motion related to Gates’ sentencing, which has been long delayed as he continues cooperating with prosecutors on various investigations, that reveals the offer by an unspecified entity.
“Finally, is important to note that the public nature of this case has made Gates and Gates’ family the subject of intense media scrutiny,” the filing states. “Gates’ cooperation has been steadfast despite the fact that the government has asked for his assistance in high profile matters, against powerful individuals, in the midst of a particularly turbulent environment.”
The motion asks judges to give Gates a lighter sentence for his level of cooperation and refusal to accept the bribe attempt.
“Gates received pressure not to cooperate with the government, including assurances of monetary assistance,” the motion continues. “He should be commended for standing up to provide information and public testimony against individuals such as Manafort, Craig, and Stone, knowing well that they enjoy support from the upper echelons of American politics and society. Based on his substantial assistance, the government recommends a downward departure and does not oppose Gates’ request for a probationary sentence.”
Holy crap. According to federal prosecutors, Gates was promised “monetary assistance” if he did not cooperate? By who?? That’s a lay-down-your-hand obstruction case. https://t.co/oF0VWPcDZ2
— Elie Honig (@eliehonig) December 10, 2019
