WASHINGTON (CN) – Former Trump campaign chair Paul Manafort agreed Friday to cooperate with special counsel Robert Mueller’s sweeping 2016 election probe to avoid a second trial.
"I plead guilty," Manafort said at about noon in Washington, concluding a roughly hour-long hearing.
Copping to one count of conspiracy and one count of obstruction of justice for witness tampering, Manafort entered the plea in connection to a superseding criminal information Mueller’s office filed this morning.
The former lobbyist has waived his right to have counsel present during his sessions with the government, U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson noted. If Manafort lies or commits other offenses for the duration of his cooperation, the deal is off.
Manafort’s decision to cooperate could complicate his efforts to obtain a pardon, if he wants one, Harvard law professor Alex Whiting said.
“It does not preclude a pardon but it makes it much more difficult politically and very unlikely,” Whiting said in an email. “I think Manafort must have concluded that he couldn't count on the pardon. ... And also maybe he realized that pardon would not cover state charges.”
As part of his deal, Manafort admitted to funneling more than $60 million of unregistered lobbying income from pro-Russian Ukrainians into offshore accounts, and hiding more than $15 million in taxes from the IRS.
Jailed since June in connection to his witness-tampering charge, Manafort wore a black suit, white shirt and purple tie as he stood beside defense attorney Richard Westling at the lectern.
A court security officer stood behind Manafort, as Jackson made sure he understood the rights he will waive by pleading guilty.
"I do," Manafort repeated, as he waived his rights one by one.
Jackson informed Manafort Friday that he would remain detained until his sentencing, at which point the government will dismiss both the superseding indictment and the counts against Manafort that left a federal jury in Virginia partially deadlocked last month.
Manafort admitted to those charges as part of the plea agreement, even though they will be dismissed.
Prosecutors will also drop the five remaining charges against him in Washington.
Jackson walked Manafort through the implications of forgoing a trial, including his right to appeal.
"I understand," Manafort said at the lectern, standing beside Westling.
Jackson also noted that his guilty plea today can be used against him in any future trial.
"Do you still want to plead guilty in this case," Jackson asked.
"I do," Manafort said.
Confirmation of Manafort’s cooperation marks a dramatic turn in Mueller's investigation of Russian election interference, and whether members of the Trump campaign coordinated with that effort.
After the Virginia jury convicted Manafort of financial crimes last month, President Trump lauded his former campaign chief on social media.
"I feel very badly for Paul Manafort and his wonderful family," the president tweeted on Aug. 22. "Justice took a 12 year old tax case, among other things, applied tremendous pressure on him and, unlike Michael Cohen, he refused to 'break' - make up stories in order to get a 'deal.' Such respect for a brave man!"