In a 15-year scheme, a Manhattan jury found two companies affiliated with the Trump Organization guilty of 17 counts of criminal tax fraud.
Prosecutors alleged that the company provided executives with expensive, unreported perks, such as luxury cars and apartments. It also paid for relatives of executives’ private school tuition.
Trump was not charged in the case, but investigators testified in court that the former president was aware of the scheme at his real estate firm.
According to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, this case involved greed and deceit.
“The Trump Corporation and the Trump Payroll Corporation were able to get away with a scheme that awarded high-level executives with lavish perks and compensation while concealing the benefits from the taxing authorities to avoid paying taxes.” “he added. “The verdict handed down today holds these Trump companies accountable for their decades-long criminal scheme.”
The prosecution relied heavily on the testimony of the organization’s former chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg. Attorneys for the defense argued that Weisselberg was a rogue employee motivated by his own greed.
The Trump Organization could face fines of up to $1.6 million when sentenced in January.
A representative of the Trump Organization stated that they intend to appeal the verdict.
In addition to the financial charges, Trump faces an investigation by special counsel Jack Smith, who examines whether the former president violated any laws when he attempted to convince state officials to overturn the official results of the 2020 presidential election.
Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed the special counsel in November and stated that it was in the public’s best interest after Trump declared his candidacy for president in 2024.
The Jan. 6 committee is also expected to recommend criminal charges against Trump before the Republicans dismantle it in 2023 when they take control of the House of Representatives.
