WASHINGTON (AP) — A Washington political consultant initially ensnared in the special counsel’s Russia investigation is asking a federal judge to spare him from prison time for unregistered lobbying and participating in a foreign donation scheme involving President Donald Trump’s inaugural committee.
W. Samuel Patten, who faces up to five years in prison, argued in court papers filed Monday that he should receive probation in part for being a “reliable and valuable” cooperator with special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation and other ongoing probes. In separate court papers , prosecutors agreed that Patten provided “substantial assistance” to the government.
When Patten pleaded guilty last year, his case revealed that he had orchestrated a scheme to circumvent the federal ban on foreign donations to inaugural committees on behalf of a Ukrainian politician.
He also was not part of a scheme to “funnel” foreign money to Trump’s campaign, Sears said, noting that Patten openly opposed Trump’s candidacy and didn’t vote for him.
In his plea agreement, Patten admitted to violating the law by lobbying in the U.S. on behalf of the Opposition Bloc, a Ukrainian political party, without registering with the Justice Department.
https://www.apnews.com/4713eb225917432eaf20dc4eada9dcef
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/5798366-Sentencing-memo-filed-by-lobbyist-W-Samuel-Patten.html