The former lawyer/fixer for Donald Trump, Michael Cohen, is reportedly discussing a potential plea deal with federal prosecutors in Manhattan, according to NBC News.
A deal isn't finalized by any means, but sources tell NBC that one could be struck by the end of the day.
The deal, if finalized, would be related to the investigation into bank and tax fraud and potential campaign finance violations being led by prosecutors in the Southern District of New York. But if Cohen became a cooperating witness the deal could be extended to other inquiries, including the Russia probe being led by Robert Mueller.
Cohen has been notably silent in the press ever since he released the recording of his pre-election conversation with Trump about a hush-money payment to a woman with whom he allegedly had an affair. That silence, according to former prosecutors, suggests he may have been in negotiations with prosecutors.
Tuesday, Aug 21, 2018 · 5:45:54 PM +00:00
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Kerry Eleveld
UPDATE: Former SDNY federal prosecutor Mimi Rocah explains: “There are 2 types of plea agreements: (1) a cooperation agreement which requires info & assistance to SDNY (& likely the SC) & (2) straight plea agreement which says nothing about cooperation. Two totally different things & makes big difference which (if any) is used here.”
It’s still unclear what kind of plea deal might be at issue here.