In case linked to former Trump partner, gov't wants secrecy
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has urged a federal judge to keep some records sealed in a criminal proceeding linked to a former business associate of Donald Trump.
The records confirmed The Associated Press' previous reporting that the U.S. government wanted to protect Sater's role as an informant after he was convicted in 1993 for stabbing a man in the face with a broken margarita glass and again five years later for participating in a $40 million stock fraud scheme tied to the Bonanno and Genovese crime families.
The judge has encouraged the Justice Department to file criminal contempt charges, ordering prosecutors to inform him on June 10 whether they intend to do so.
Throughout Bayrock's partnership with Trump, Sater also provided intelligence on organized crime and what prosecutors have called vital national security matters.
Trump appointed Sater a senior adviser for a year around 2010, giving him an office in Trump Tower, official Trump Organization business cards and a license to prospect for new business deals.