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THREAD: Here's what we learned about the Mueller investigation, and more, from today's sentencing memos for DC lobbyist Sam Patten. cnn.com/2019/04/08/pol…
Topline -- Patten provided "substantial assistance" to special counsel Robert Mueller and several other ongoing investigations, federal prosecutors said Monday, paving the way for him to potentially avoid jail time at his sentencing this week.
Prosecutors said: "Patten has met with government investigators, in person or by phone, a total of nine separate times to answer numerous questions and explain various documents. In all of these sessions, Patten has been honest and straightforward with government investigators."
But...... almost all of the details surrounding Patten's "substantial" assistance will remain secret for now. Both sides said they would submit additional filings under seal with that information. cnn.com/2019/04/08/pol…
The court filings did reveal that Patten provided Mueller with evidence against Manafort and was prepared to testify against Manafort at tria. (Manafort pleaded guilty before the DC trial could begin.) cnn.com/2019/04/08/pol…
Prosecutors said Patten's experience as an overseas political constant made him a "valuable resource for the government in a number of other criminal investigations, providing helpful information about additional individuals and entities."
For his part, Patten asked for probation instead of prison. His lawyers said he never meant to cover up anything related to Russian meddling cnn.com/2019/04/08/pol…
"His crimes were not motivated by greed or a desire to conceal relevant information from the American public or to aid or cover up any potential interference with the 2016 Presidential election," Patten's lawyers wrote.
REMEMBER: When Patten pleaded guilty, Patten admitted that he illegally funneled money from a Russia-friendly oligarch to Trump's inauguration fund. cnn.com/2018/08/31/pol…
That $50,000 donation was a tiny fraction of the $107 million raised by Trump's inaugural fund. But federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York are now investigating that committee for a slew of potential crimes. (fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, etc.)
Patten doesn't even like Trump, his lawyers said, spitting some 🔥🔥 in their sentencing memo."Indeed, Mr. Patten not only openly opposed the Trump candidacy but even broke with his party when he voted for President Trump's opponent in the 2016 presidential election."
Patten broke his silence for the first time, writing a letter to the judge. He took responsibility, apologized, and said his actions triggered a "very dark" period for himself and his family. You can read that full letter here: cdn.cnn.com/cnn/2019/image…
What about Patten's ties to KILIMNIK?? Patten's lawyers say they don't think he's a Russian spy. “Despite the more recent speculation and revelations, at no point did Mr. Patten know, believe, or suspect that Kilimnik was connected in any way to Russian intelligence.”
A sentencing hearing for Patten is scheduled for Friday. Overseeing the case is Judge Amy Berman Jackson, who handled Manafort's case and several other Mueller prosecutions. Patten's sentencing was previously delayed while he cooperated with investigators. / END
