Posted on Dec 7, 2022
Former President Donald Trump's company is found guilty of criminal tax fraud
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https://www.npr.org/2022/12/06/ [login to see] /former-president-donald-trumps-company-found-guilty-criminal-tax-fraud
A jury in Manhattan has found former President Donald Trump's company guilty of a long-running criminal tax fraud scheme that lasted into his presidency.
Though Trump and his company have repeatedly faced criminal investigations, this case marks the first time his company has been charged, tried, and convicted on criminal charges.
Trump built his political brand, in large part, on his claim that he was an aggressive and successful businessman.
In all, the jury found two entities controlled by Trump guilty on 17 counts of criminal tax fraud and falsifying business records. The maximum penalty is $1.6 million.
"This was a case about lying and cheating, false documents to the aid of evading taxes for the benefit of individuals and the corporation," Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg said, speaking with reporters after the verdict was delivered.
In a statement, the Trump Organization criticized the verdict and promised to appeal, arguing that blame should fall on the company's executives and not on the firm itself.
A jury in Manhattan has found former President Donald Trump's company guilty of a long-running criminal tax fraud scheme that lasted into his presidency.
Though Trump and his company have repeatedly faced criminal investigations, this case marks the first time his company has been charged, tried, and convicted on criminal charges.
Trump built his political brand, in large part, on his claim that he was an aggressive and successful businessman.
In all, the jury found two entities controlled by Trump guilty on 17 counts of criminal tax fraud and falsifying business records. The maximum penalty is $1.6 million.
"This was a case about lying and cheating, false documents to the aid of evading taxes for the benefit of individuals and the corporation," Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg said, speaking with reporters after the verdict was delivered.
In a statement, the Trump Organization criticized the verdict and promised to appeal, arguing that blame should fall on the company's executives and not on the firm itself.
Former President Donald Trump's company is found guilty of criminal tax fraud
Posted from npr.org
Donald Trump
Manhattan
Crime
Taxes
Posted >1 y ago
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."Trial unfolded at a moment of complex legal peril for Trump and his business
In his instructions to jurors, before they reached a verdict, Judge Juan Merchan said that did not mean Trump's company benefited from the scheme, although there was evidence that it did.
Weisselberg acknowledged knowing taxes were owed on that compensation, but it was never reported.
Prosecutors argued that by compensating top executives in this fashion, the Trump Organization was able to save significant amounts of money.
This trial unfolded at a moment of complex legal peril for Trump and his business, with his attorneys playing defense in recent weeks in three different New York City courtrooms.
Last month, a judge required Trump's firm to submit to an outside monitor as part of an on-going $250 million civil case brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
James' lawsuit claims Trump and his children fraudulently manipulated the value of its real estate holdings for more than a decade, deceiving lenders and and cheating tax authorities.
James reacted to Tuesday's verdict with a statement. "We can have no tolerance for individuals or organizations that violate our laws to line their pockets," she said.
"I was proud to assist in this important case. This verdict sends a clear message that no one, and no organization, is above our laws."
Trump and his attorneys have pushed back, arguing that prosecutors in New York have overstepped their authority and engaged in a a political witch hunt against the former President.
Trump also faces federal probes involving his role in efforts to block the peaceful transfer of power after he lost the 2020 presidential election and his decision to keep classified documents after leaving the White House.
Last month, the U.S. Justice Department appointed a special counsel to oversee those investigations. Trump has also described that process as politically motivated."
..."Trial unfolded at a moment of complex legal peril for Trump and his business
In his instructions to jurors, before they reached a verdict, Judge Juan Merchan said that did not mean Trump's company benefited from the scheme, although there was evidence that it did.
Weisselberg acknowledged knowing taxes were owed on that compensation, but it was never reported.
Prosecutors argued that by compensating top executives in this fashion, the Trump Organization was able to save significant amounts of money.
This trial unfolded at a moment of complex legal peril for Trump and his business, with his attorneys playing defense in recent weeks in three different New York City courtrooms.
Last month, a judge required Trump's firm to submit to an outside monitor as part of an on-going $250 million civil case brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
James' lawsuit claims Trump and his children fraudulently manipulated the value of its real estate holdings for more than a decade, deceiving lenders and and cheating tax authorities.
James reacted to Tuesday's verdict with a statement. "We can have no tolerance for individuals or organizations that violate our laws to line their pockets," she said.
"I was proud to assist in this important case. This verdict sends a clear message that no one, and no organization, is above our laws."
Trump and his attorneys have pushed back, arguing that prosecutors in New York have overstepped their authority and engaged in a a political witch hunt against the former President.
Trump also faces federal probes involving his role in efforts to block the peaceful transfer of power after he lost the 2020 presidential election and his decision to keep classified documents after leaving the White House.
Last month, the U.S. Justice Department appointed a special counsel to oversee those investigations. Trump has also described that process as politically motivated."
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Here we go again!Do you think jail time is more appropriate?
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