Prosecutors: Paul Manafort says he's treated like 'VIP' in jail

WASHINGTON - (AP) - President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, has said in monitored jail phone calls that he's being treated like a "VIP" while behind bars.

Special counsel Robert Mueller's office made the revelation in a court filing Wednesday arguing against postponing his trial in Alexandria, Virginia.

Prosecutors say Manafort has a personal telephone that he uses to prepare for trial with lawyers. They also say he has his own workspace and has had more than 100 phone calls with lawyers in the last three weeks.

Manafort is scheduled to stand trial on financial crimes starting July 25. He had asked for a postponement until after a separate trial in Washington, D.C., where he faces similar charges.

Manafort has been jailed since last month after a judge revoked his house arrest.

A mugshot was released by the Alexandria Sheriff's Office after Manafort was booked into the Alexandria Detention Center.

"On Thursday, July 12, Paul Manafort was booked into the Alexandria Detention Center, formally known as the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center," Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne said in a statement. "Mr. Manafort's arrival and booking process were routine," she added.

"Because he is a high-profile inmate, Mr. Manafort will be placed in protective custody which limits his interactions with other inmates. Specific details about Mr. Manafort's confinement will not be made public due to security and privacy concerns. We will work closely with the U.S. Marshals to ensure his proper care while he remains in our custody," Lawhorne said.

The Alexandria Detention Center is operated by the Alexandria Sheriff's Office and houses approximately 400 inmates. In the past, the detention center housed high-profile prisoners like Robert Hanssen and Zacarias Moussaoui.