Gates charged in a deal with Mueller

Here's the superseding criminal information document pleading that was filed today in accordance with a guilty plea by Gates.  It's rough, but much less than that monster 32-count charge we were looking at yesterday.  This charge has two counts only: conspiracy against the United States and false statement.  I wonder what deal he got in return.  He must be giving up something very important to Mueller in order to avoid those bank fraud and money laundering charges in the 32-count document. 

And I wonder if this influences Manaforts ideas on whether to plead out.

The Gates charge also mentions, in conjunction with the false statement count, a meeting Manafort had with "a congressman" - which is a reference to Dana Rohrabacher.  Although it doesn't accuse Rohrabacher of anything yet, I assume we're going to see him keel-hauled one day.

It's kind of mind-blowing when you realize that Gates' false statement charge came from a lie he told as recently as this first of this month.  And why would he lie about what Manafort told him about a meeting with Rohrabacher and another lobbyist?  Missing some pieces of this puzzle.

...but hey, do what you want...you will anyway.

UPDATE:



UPDATE:

Manafort's statement: he's not budging.  Yet.  Maybe he knows he's getting a pardon.

FURTHER UPDATE:








FURHTER UPDATE: