Here are key takeaways from the sentencing memos filed by Mueller and SDNY prosecutors tonight:
MORE EVIDENCE OF RUSSIA CONTACTS: Cohen told Mueller’s office about at least two additional contacts he had on Trump’s behalf with people close to the Russian government.
Mueller: “For example, and as described above, the defendant provided a detailed account of his involvement and the involvement of others in the Moscow Project, and also corrected the record concerning his outreach to the Russian government during the week of the United Nations General Assembly.”
Mueller: “The defendant also provided information about attempts by other Russian nationals to reach the campaign. For example, in or around November 2015, Cohen received the contact information for, and spoke with, a Russian national who claimed to be a ‘trusted person’ in the Russian Federation who could offer the campaign ‘political synergy’ and ‘synergy on a government level.’”
TRUMP SIGNED OFF ON KREMLIN BUSINESS DEAL: Cohen consulted with Trump prior to reaching out to the Russian government about a lucrative Moscow business deal.
Mueller: “During his proffer sessions, the defendant admitted … that he had in fact conferred with Individual 1 about contacting the Russian government before reaching out to gauge Russia’s interest in such a meeting. The meeting ultimately did not take place.”
TRUMP IMPLICATED IN MULTIPLE CRIMES: The Justice Department alleged Trump directed Cohen to commit at least two crimes meant to influence the 2016 presidential election.
SDNY: “While many Americans who desired a particular outcome to the election knocked on doors [or] toiled at phone banks … Cohen sought to influence the election … by orchestrating secret and illegal payments”to silence two women who otherwise would have made public their alleged extramarital affairs with Individual-1.”
SDNY: “With respect to both payments, Cohen acted with the intent to influence the 2016 presidential election. … In particular, and as Cohen himself has now admitted, with respect to both payments, he acted in coordination with and at the direction of Individual-1.”
MUELLER’S NOT DONE YET: Cohen provided Mueller information about “discrete Russia-related matters core to its investigation” drawn from his conversations with Trump Organization executives.
Mueller: Cohen “provided information about his own contacts with Russian interests during the campaign and discussions with others in the course of making those contacts,” “provided the SCO with useful information concerning certain discrete Russia-related matters core to its investigation” garnered from regular discussions with Trump Organization executives during the campaign and provided information related to Cohen’s contact with White House officials in 2017 and 2018.