- The Washington Times - Thursday, July 19, 2018

New York Yankees season tickets, a $21,000 watch, and oriental rugs worth thousands of dollars are among the nearly 500 pieces of evidence could be presented to jurors at next week’s trial of Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, according to new court filings.

The filing in an Alexandria, Virginia federal court details Mr. Manafort’s luxurious lifestyle through 436 separate pieces of evidence. He is alleged to have added a putting green at his home in the Hamptons, purchased fine art and clothing from upscale suit makers Alan Couture and House of Bijan, and paid $21,000 for a titanium Bijan watch.

Prosecutors have accused Mr. Manafort of laundering more than $30 million in revenue he earned from his Ukrainian consulting work to avoid paying U.S. taxes on the income. Mr. Manafort used that money to live a glamorous life, according to attorneys working for special counsel Robert Mueller.

For example, the House of Bijan in Beverly Hills promotes itself as “the world’s most expensive store.” A pair of socks can cost $100, a tie $1,200 and suits as much as $25,000.

Prosecutors also plan to show jurors a receipt for a 2012 Mercedes Benz SL550, which sold for $104,525 when it hit the market six years ago, according to AutoTrader Magazine.

Other evidence includes email communication between Mr. Manafort and Tad Devine, a Democratic consultant who also did work for Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. Mr. Devine was the chief campaign strategies for Sen. Bernie Sanders’ failed 2016 presidential bid.

Prosecutors will also present dozens of documents involving Rick Gates, a former business associate of Mr. Manafort. Mr. Gates was originally charged with Mr. Manafort, but pleaded guilty and his cooperating with the special counsel.

The Gates items include emails he exchanged with Mr. Manafort and Mr. Devine and his U.S. passport.

Additional pieces of evidence could be introduced, according to members of Mr. Mueller’s team.

“The government further respectfully requests leave of the Court to file additional exhibits if necessary,” the attorneys wrote.

Mr. Manafort has pleaded not guilty to charges of money laundering and tax fraud. His trial is scheduled to begin on Wednesday.

He also faces a separate trial in Washington, D.C, which is slated to begin in September.

• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.

Copyright © 2024 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.

Please read our comment policy before commenting.

Click to Read More and View Comments

Click to Hide