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Rick Gates

Former Trump campaign aide Rick Gates has quietly added a prominent white collar attorney to his defense team, signaling that Gates’ approach to his not-guilty plea could be changing behind the scenes.

Tom Green, a well-known Washington defense lawyer, was seen at special counsel Robert Mueller’s office twice last week. CNN is told by a source familiar with the matter that Green has joined Gates’ team.

Gates pleaded not guilty in October to eight charges of money laundering and failing to register foreign lobbying and other business. Green's involvement suggests that there is an ongoing negotiation between the defendant’s team and the prosecutors. At this stage, with Gates’ charges filed and bail set, talks could concern the charges and Gates’ plea. The defense and prosecution are currently working together on discovery of evidence. Ref. CNN.

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Gates Rick

CNN

Exclusive: A top Trump campaign adviser close to plea deal with Mueller

Former Trump campaign adviser Rick Gates is finalizing a plea deal with special counsel Robert Mueller's office, indicating he's poised to cooperate in the investigation, according to sources familiar with the case.

Gates has already spoken to Mueller's team about his case and has been in plea negotiations for about a month. He's had what criminal lawyers call a "Queen for a Day" interview, in which a defendant answers any questions from the prosecutors' team, including about his own case and other potential criminal activity he witnessed.

Gates' cooperation could be another building block for Mueller in a possible case against President Donald Trump or key members of his team. Ref. CNN.

Rick Gates History & Civil Business Politics

Former Trump campaign aide Rick Gates sentenced to 45 days in jail, more than prosecutors sought for the key witness in Russia probe. Gates testified against former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and longtime Trump ally Roger Stone. Both were convicted. Ref. USAToday.