The Trump Organization’s chief financial officer is on the verge of reaching a plea bargain in a lawsuit investigating whether he funneled off-the-books earnings to himself and other executives at the company, but this potential deal is likely to continue. are reportedly not going to get prosecutors closer to their subject, former President Trump.
The New York Times reported MondayAllen Weisselberg and his lawyers met with the judge, citing two people who knew a hearing was scheduled for Thursday, pointing out that an agreement could be reached by then. did.
A potential deal could mean Weisselberg faces a much shorter sentence of five months in prison, a person familiar with the matter told The Times.
Prosecutors hoped Weisselberg would eventually testify against Trump himself, but was ultimately denied.
Last June, criminal charges were filed against Weisselberg and the Trump Organization in connection with allegations that the company evaded paying taxes on fringe benefits such as cars, apartments and other bonuses received through the company. rice field.
The case is being investigated by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. Person who filed 15 criminal charges Including fraud, conspiracy, and falsification of business records against Weisselberg and the Trump Organization. Executives could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted, but that number is likely to be reduced due to various sentencing factors, legal experts say.
The district attorney’s office did not immediately return a request for comment from The Hill.
The lawsuit follows testimony Trump gave last week in connection with an investigation by New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) into allegations that the Trump Organization misrepresented the value of assets and misled lenders and tax authorities. It is different from recording.
Trump said he exercised his Fifth Amendment rights during the deposition, and his attorney later told The Times that the only question he answered was about his name.
His Mar-a-Lago mansion was also raided by the FBI a week ago. It was an unprecedented investigation in which authorities seized documents, some of which were classified at the highest level.
An unsealed search warrant released Friday revealed that federal law enforcement officials suspect Trump has violated the Espionage Act and other laws.
19:36 update
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