Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort is treated like a “VIP” in prison, according to new court documents filed Wednesday.
The documents were filed by federal prosecutors opposing Mr. Manafort’s request to delay his Virginia trial for months. Mr. Manafort’s attorneys have sought to push back his trial until fall, claiming that his incarceration has made it difficult to communicate.
But the government in opposing court filings painted a picture of Mr. Manafort being treated like a king in prison, noting that he has access to a personal telephone, laptop with an extension cord for private use in his own unit, and access to all documents.
Prosecutors also said Mr. Manafort has access to his own separate workroom to meet with lawyers at the Northern Neck Jail in Warsaw, Virginia.
The government said Mr. Manafort’s conditions are not “more restrictive than other inmates” and in various ways, “less restrictive.”
Furthermore, prosecutors said Mr. Manafort has his own bathroom and shower, a self-contained living unit — instead of a cell — that is larger than other inmates’ space and he is not required to wear a prison uniform.
In earlier court filings, Mr. Manafort’s attorney said the distance of Northern Neck jail — two hours from Washington, D.C. — has made it difficult to prepare adequately for trial. They have also said Mr. Manafort is kept in solitary confinement up to 23 hours a day.
On Tuesday, District Judge T.S. Ellis III, who is overseeing Mr. Manafort’s Virginia trial, moved him to an Alexandria jail so he can have easier access to his legal team. He has not ruled on whether the trial should be delayed or moved to another location.
Mr. Manafort is facing trials in Washington and Virginia on tax evasion, bank fraud, lying to investigators and other charges. He has pleaded not guilty.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
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