Allen Weisselberg, former old boss financial Officer of trump Organization, pleaded guilty Thursday up to 15 bills of fraud and tax evasion, admitting that he was part of of receiving scheme more over $1.7 million in off- privilege books and compensation from former The eponymous firm of President Donald Trump.
75-year-old Weisselberg entered plea in courtroom in Manhattan where he confessed to his crimes and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors in in criminal case against two Trump Organizations.
Weisselberg was charged in July 2021, along with Trump Organization subsidiaries that prosecutors demand took part in scheme, which also allegedly benefited other company executives. The company pleaded not guilty, and the jury selection for trial scheduled for October 24th.
“This plea agreement directly involves the Trump Organization in Wide range of criminal activities and demands from Weisselberg invaluable testimony in upcoming test against corporations,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. in statement. “In addition, thanks to the incredible hard work and devotion of in team handling this case, Weisselberg will spend time behind bars. We are looking forward to prove us right in court against Trump Organization.
Yuki Iwamura / AP
Weisselberg deal with prosecutors calls for sentence of five months in Rikers Island in New York jail followed by a five-year probationary period. He must also pay $1.9 million in back taxes and fines, testify under oath as a witness in company court. He did not agree to provide new or optional information about Trump or the company that bears his name, according to sources familiar with cause.
Weisselberg to be sentenced of litigation of the Trump Organization and prosecutors will tend to the state prison time if he disrespects terms of deal, Bragg said. The judge will do final sentencing decision.
Trump has not been charged in case and had previously condemned the investigation as a “witch hunt”.
Nicholas Gravante Jr. Attorney for Weisselberg said former supervisor move to accept plea the deal wasone of the most difficult decisions of his life.”
“Mr. Weisselberg decided to enter plea of guilty today to end this case and its years of legal and personal nightmares. caused for him and him familyGravante said. – Instead of risk possibility of 15 years in prison, he agreed to serve 100 days. We are glad that this behind his.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James, whose office looks after his civil investigation in former presidential business deals, said plea demonstrates that the authorities will “hack down on anyone who steals from public for personal gain because no one above the law.”
Jane Rosenberg
Weisselberg and company were accused grand jury in July 2021 The indictment alleges that the company and Weisselberg sent “indirect employee compensation» to a long-standing executive start in 2005 through payments for his apartment in Manhattan, luxury car rent, schooling for family members and other personal expenses. Company failed report on payments to the tax authorities, prosecutors said.
“It was organized by the most senior leaders, who we financially benefiting yourself and the company, receiving secret salary increase through of state taxpayers and federal taxpayers,” Carey Dunn, then assistant district attorney, told the judge at the hearing. last year.
Weisselberg started working for Trump in 1973 and was removed like an officer of several subsidiaries after he was indicted last year.
Weisselberg and company approached New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Mercan. in February drop all charges on 15 counts against them. August 12 Merchan fired one of tax fraud against Trump Organization, but admissible 14 others remain. No charges against Weisselberg was fired.
Natalie Nieves contributed to the report.
