U.S.

Manafort Is Reportedly In Talks For A Plea Deal Ahead Of Second Trial

The former Trump campaign chairman went to trial earlier this year and was found guilty on several charges.

Manafort Is Reportedly In Talks For A Plea Deal Ahead Of Second Trial
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President Donald Trump’s former campaign chairman Paul Manafort is talking to prosecutors about a plea deal, according to sources familiar with the matter. 

Special counsel Robert Mueller charged Manafort with money laundering, lobbying violations and witness tampering. His trial is scheduled to start later this month.

Multiple outlets report Manafort doesn't want to cooperate with Mueller's investigation, but also wants to avoid another trial. Manafort chose to go to trial for separate charges earlier this year and was found guilty of bank and tax fraud. 

It's not yet clear what the terms of the plea deal would be, but sources told the Wall Street Journal it probably wouldn't include an explicit requirement that Manafort cooperate with Mueller.

President Donald Trump has praised Manafort in the past for not cooperating with Mueller's team. 

Additional reporting by Newsy affiliate CNN.