The claim
Denied lying to investigators and denied the scope of his contacts with a Russian associate with ties to Russian intelligence.
Made in: Statements to the FBI and the Special Counsel's office
The proof
Gates pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy against the United States and one count of making false statements to the FBI about his contacts with Konstantin Kilimnik, a Russian associate with ties to Russian intelligence. He agreed to cooperate with the Special Counsel's investigation.
The record
United States v. Gates — U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia · No. 1:17-cr-00201
Outcome: Pleaded guilty to conspiracy and false statements (February 2018); sentenced to one day in prison, 12 months supervised release, and $20,000 fine
The person admitted the facts under oath in open court, before a judge, to end a criminal case. The strongest record possible: self-incrimination.
Gates was Paul Manafort's former deputy. His guilty plea and cooperation were central to the Mueller investigation's case against Manafort, who was separately convicted on eight counts.