On Tuesday, December 6, the Trump Organization received a guilty verdict for the crime of tax fraud.
The fine for the crime could be as high as $1.6 million.
This was certainly a very bad day for Trump, his family and everyone who does business with him, as his main organization was convicted of numerous counts of wrongdoing on their taxes.
The Trump Organization has been convicted of all its charges, totaling 17.
The trial lasted two days.
What Are the Convictions For?
The Manhattan Supreme Court has ruled on several charges, including forgery of business records, tax fraud, conspiracy, and other crimes.
Sentencing is expected on January 13, 2023.
Alvin Bragg, Manhattan’s district attorney, spoke out about the jury’s decision.
According to Bragg, the verdict on the case was impeccable and deserved. He also noted that Trump had long worked irregularly and criminally with his companies.
Trump’s lawyer has argued that her client disagrees with the verdict and will enter an appeal.
Real news! Fake business records!
Here's the full story, brought to you by @thedailybeast:
Manhattan jury finds the Trump Corp & Trump Payroll Corp guilty of tax fraud and related charges on all counts.https://t.co/pMViVJt23y
— Jose Pagliery (@Jose_Pagliery) December 6, 2022
Trump Responds With Fury
Dissatisfied and outraged by the outcome of the trial, Trump said Bragg put too much effort into his case, rather than spending time and money on solving crime and violence in New York.
Trump said he is being chased down in a ridiculous witch hunt that has nothing to do with justice and everything to do with his political opponents weaponizing the justice system against him.
The prosecution of the case said the Trump Organization has benefited for more than 15 years from several executives.
Benefits included using luxury cars for a good price, cheating income taxes, and discounting private school tuition unfairly, among many other things.
BREAKING: Trump Org. guilty on all counts in New York criminal tax fraud trial https://t.co/Sop3aNtwbU via @politico
— Heidi Przybyla (@HeidiReports) December 6, 2022
Trump’s Accountant Turns
Allen Weisselberg, a prosecution witness, told the jury that what led the Trump Organization to the current situation was its own greed.
In contrast, lawyers for the Trump Organization said it’s Weisselberg’s fault. yes, he did it all on his own.
So far, Trump and his children have not been directly charged.
Joshua Steinglass, assistant district attorney cross examined Weisselberg, pointed a finger at his face during the trial and said he was well aware of what he was doing for his own benefit, as well as for several other executives.
Necheles, Trump’s defense attorney, claimed that Trump and his family did not have knowledge about tax fraud. He also said that Weisselberg should be tried for his fraud in a personal way and not in his capacity as an accountant for the Trump Organization.
Necheles said this is a totally unprecedented trial and that he will appeal.
We know that companies should not be blamed for the personal actions of their employees.
Now, we can only hope and see what this case will turn into in the future. With Trump now running again in 2024 a lot is at stake.
