Michael Cohen plea deal - live: Former Trump lawyer worked to silence Stormy Daniels, Karen McDougal 'at direction of the candidate'
Michael Cohen, Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, has reportedly reached a plea deal with federal prosecutors in New York, just ahead of a court appearance.
Mr Cohen is known for his previously close relationship with Mr Trump, and has repeatedly been described as his "fixer" for difficult matters. Mr Cohen has been subject to a months-long investigation into his business dealings.
That proximity means Mr Cohen could potentially create substantial legal headaches for Mr Trump, with special counsel Robert Mueller investigating Russian election meddling - including any for any potential cooperation between Moscow and the president's 2016 campaign team.
The case against Mr Cohen was referred to New York's Southern District by Mr Mueller, and any cooperation could help the investigation he leads. It was not immediately clear that Mr Cohen had actually committed to cooperation with investigators, however.
Federal agents had seized documents and files from Mr Cohen in April that stemmed from a referral from Mr Mueller's office.
The New York Times reported on Sunday that federal prosecutors were focused on more than $20 million in loans obtained by Mr Cohen from taxi businesses owned by him and his family.
The loans are part of the investigation into whether Mr Cohen committed bank and tax fraud, and for possible campaign law violations linked to a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
Lanny Davis, a lawyer for Cohen, declined to comment.
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