Mystery recess triggers speculation in Manafort trial

By Jacqueline Thomsen @ TheHill.com,  08/10/18 04:08 PM EDT

Paul Manafort’s criminal trial on bank and tax fraud charges was held up for several hours Friday as the federal judge presiding over the case repeatedly met with federal prosecutors and Manafort’s defense attorneys.

Judge T.S. Ellis III, who has otherwise placed a priority on the trial moving quickly, pushed the start of witness testimony in the trial until Friday afternoon, according to multiple media reports.

Ellis began the day by holding a bench conference with attorneys from both sides before the jury was called into the courtroom, and held a second conference before leaving the room “to consider an issue," according to Politico.

Multiple news outlets noted that the judge did not exit through the door toward his chambers, but instead through doors in the direction of the jury room.

Ellis returned about 45 minutes later, at which point he summoned the jury for attendance and said they would take an early lunch break [....]