Good morning from DC federal court where Rick Gates, former Trump deputy campaign manager, is set to be sentenced in just under an hour. Gates was a star witness testifying under a plea agreement in 3 criminal trials coming out of the Mueller investigation. @CourthouseNews
Gates is here clean shaven and wearing the same dark suit and powder blue tie that he showed up in to testify during the Stone trial.
Still waiting to get started. Reminder--Gates pleaded guilty last year to lying to the FBI and financial crimes. Here's a look at the agreement he signed. 
Andrew Weissmann, one of the top prosecutors on Mueller's team, just walked up to Gates and his lawyer with a big smile and shook hands.
All rise...here we go.
Judge Jackson saying she has read the letter from Gates' father, mother, brother Paul Gates, 2 partners/colleagues, and other friends, plus a sealed letter from a healthcare provider (may be related to Gates' wife fighting breast cancer).
Jackson noting that Gates' tax fraud, failure to register foreign bank accounts and failure to register as a foreign agent according to govt and defendant was to aid Manafort.
But the judge just said that there is some dispute on that saying "Gates was hardly a minor player.”
But the judge just said that there is some dispute on that saying "Gates was hardly a minor player.”
BREAKING: Jackson said she will grant the govt's request for a downward departure in Gates' sentencing, more details to come.
Judge said right before that as a witness Gates was completely candid, "he didn’t come across as a bought and paid for puppet.”
Judge said right before that as a witness Gates was completely candid, "he didn’t come across as a bought and paid for puppet.”
Federal prosecutor Molly Gaston telling judge now about Gates' extraordinary assistance esp in Manafort's trial in Virginia.
Also noted that Gates' has been the primary caretaker to his children during his wife's illness the last two year.
Also noted that Gates' has been the primary caretaker to his children during his wife's illness the last two year.
“At all times he embraced the full extent of the responsibility of his own actions and embraced telling the truth" Gaston says.
More from Gaston: “The nature and extent of his assistance has been extraordinary. He has debriefed with the government more than 50 times. He has provided sworn testimony 3 times...he pleaded within months of being indicted and that can be seen as a turning point.”
Hearing from Gates' laywer now
"I was witness to his determination and his conduct during this long and often very stressful period during which he never hesitated, he never faltered, he never second guessed whether he was doing the right thing.”
"I was witness to his determination and his conduct during this long and often very stressful period during which he never hesitated, he never faltered, he never second guessed whether he was doing the right thing.”
Jackson now offering Gates' the opportunity to talk...he's taken to the lectern.
"I greatly regret the mistakes that I have made..."
"I greatly regret the mistakes that I have made..."
Less than a thirty second statement from Gates just now....judge is known for wanting a letter or longer statement from defendants.
"I accept complete responsibility for my actions. I greatly regret the mistakes that I have made and I have worked hard to honor my commitment to make amends. My family and I appreciate your consideration for leniency and I hope and pray that you will give that to me. Thank you."
Gates' attorney Thomas Green at the bench now with federal prosecutor Molly Gaston talking about the sentence reduction.
Judge Jackson leaving the courtroom for about ten mins to consider everything the parties have shared. Stay tuned.
BREAKING: Judge Jackson rejects the DOJ request for no prison time for Rick Gates and sentences the former Trump deputy campaign manager to 45 days intermittent imprisonment (possibly on the weekend) and 36 months probation, plus $20K fine and 300 hours community service.
The very unusual sentence followed a long break down from the judge about the importance of Gates' cooperation with Mueller investigators and ended with “Mr. Gates I am 100 percent certain that the criminal justice system will not see you again.”
DEVELOPING: courthousenews.com/judge-orders-j…
Many of the top federal prosecutors that Gates worked closely with were here for the sentencing and now filtering out of court. Declined to comment.
UPDATED: Judge sentenced Rick Gates to 45 days intermittent imprisonment while at the same time commending him for extraordinary cooperation with DOJ. “Gates’ information alone warranted, indeed demanded, further investigation,” she said. @CourthouseNews
courthousenews.com/judge-orders-j…
courthousenews.com/judge-orders-j…
