Mueller filing: Manafort has personal phone, laptop, not required to wear prison uniform

Federal prosecutors on Wednesday submitted files opposing former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort’s request to delay his trial for months, a filing that reveals details of Manafort’s life behind bars.

Manafort had filed to delay one of his two scheduled trials, claiming that his incarceration at Virginia’s Northern Neck Regional Jail over alleged witness tampering left him without adequate time to prepare for trial.

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But in the Wednesday filing, special counsel Robert Mueller argued that Manafort’s claims do not hold up because Manafort has said in multiple prison calls that he has had full access to his files and attorneys.

“Contrary to Manafort’s assertions about his jail conditions, Manafort is in a private unit in which he can review materials and prepare for trial,” the filing from Mueller’s team states.

“Manafort has access to a separate workroom at the jail to meet with his attorneys and legal team,” it continues. “Visitor logs from the prison indicate that each week Manafort has had multiple visits with his legal team.”

In one of the phone calls, Manafort told the caller that he is treated like a “VIP” in prison, has a self-contained unit with a private bathroom and shower, and is not required to wear a prison uniform, according to the filing.

The filing also asserts that Manafort has a personal telephone, laptop with extension cord for private use in his own unit and access to all necessary documents.

Manafort’s attorney previously appealed for Manafort’s release, saying that he was kept in “solitary confinement” for 23 hours per day.

The former Trump campaign chairman is facing charges stemming from to several alleged financial crimes related to his work before joining the Trump campaign.