Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen loses bid for early release from probation

Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen has lost his bid for early release from probation.

Cohen was former President Donald Trump's personal lawyer and is a witness against him in a case in New York. 

The case centers on allegations Trump falsified business records and committed conspiracy related to his alleged role in hush money payments to two women.

Trump earlier this year pleaded not guilty to 34 counts in connection with the case. 

U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman in Manhattan ruled on Friday that Cohen’s past statements in a book and a television appearance are reasons Cohen should not be granted early release and that there wouldn't be enough reassurance that future crimes wouldn't be committed. 

Prosecutors allege that Cohen wrote a book in which he lied about engaging in tax fraud and that he was threatened by prosecutors to plead guilty, according to the Associated Press.

Cohen's lawyer David M. Schwartz said his client “clearly demonstrated” that he has been rehabilitated after showing good behavior in prison while “substantially cooperated with all government authorities.”

Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to multiple charges, including lying to Congress and violating campaign finance law.