The judge in Paul Manafort's financial fraud trial says he has received threats and he fears for the "peace and safety" of the jurors deciding the fate of the former Trump campaign chairman. U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis revealed his concerns Friday when explaining why he doesn't intend to make jurors' names public at trial's end. Jury lists are presumed to be public unless a judge articulates a reason for keeping them secret. "I've received criticism and threats," Ellis said. "I imagine they would, too." The judge said he is now under the protection of U.S. marshals.
Jurors ended their second day of deliberations Friday a half-hour early without reaching a verdict. They sent a note to the judge asking to wrap up at 5 p.m. instead of 5:30 p.m. because a juror had an event to attend. They return Monday morning. On Friday, President Donald Trump issued a fresh defense of Manafort, calling him a "very good person." He told reporters at the White House, "I think the whole Manafort trial is very sad."
Manafort is accused of hiding from the IRS millions that he made advising Russia-backed politicians in Ukraine, and then lying to banks to get loans when the money dried up. He faces 18 felony counts on tax evasion and bank fraud. The case called on the dozen jurors to follow the complexities of foreign bank accounts and shell companies, loan regulations and tax rules. It also exposed details about the lavish lifestyle of the onetime political insider, including a $15,000 jacket made of ostrich leather.
Associated Press
