A Manhattan jury found Donald Trump’s company guilty of a long-standing criminal tax fraud extending into his presidency.
Before the former president ran into the office, he owned several businesses. His entrepreneurial success aided him in snatching the presidency several years ago. And although many courts and parties tried to denounce several of Trump’s companies, he could dodge any verdict or conviction. Not until now.
According to the jury in Manhattan, they will charge two companies owned by Trump with 17 counts of criminal tax fraud. They will also file a case against falsifying its records. The penalties would amount to a total of $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,” sad Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney.
“The notion that a company could be held responsible for an employee’s actions, to benefit themselves, on their own personal tax returns is simply preposterous,” answered Trump’s party.
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Manhattan jury adds to Trump’s legal woes
Manhattan’s verdict came when Trump faced several other legal complications. One of them includes his defense in New York. For instance, Trump faces a legal case against New York Attorney General Letitia James. If the prosecution finds Trump guilty of the civil charges, he will receive a fine totaling $250 million.
“We can have no tolerance for individuals or organizations that violate our laws to line their pockets,” said James.
“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,” she added.
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The New York case
Democratic Attorney James filed a civil lawsuit against Trump several months ago. According to the case brief, Trump is allegedly involved in an alleged fraud, along with three of his children. The case’s investigation continued for three years before it went to fruition. The lawsuit involves charges against Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr, Ivanka Trump, and Eric Trump.
“The complaint demonstrates that Donald Trump falsely inflated his net worth by billions of dollars to enrich himself, to cheat the system unjustly,” James said.
“Letitia James is the most corrupt Attorney General in United States History. She campaigned on the promise to sue my father,” reacted Eric Trump.
If found guilty, Trump will not be able to do any business in New York. In addition, the lawsuit seeks to ban Trump from establishing any business presence within the state. James added that they could take the case to a criminal court. But, for now, James filed the $250 million lawsuit under the civil courts.
“The inflated asset valuations in the statements cannot be brushed aside or excused as merely the result of exaggeration. Rather, they result from the defendants utilizing objectively false assumptions and blatantly improper methodologies,” said the lawsuit.
“[She fights] for very powerful and well-represented banks and insurance companies, who were fully paid, made a lot of money, and never had a complaint about me,” answered Trump to James’ allegations.
Photo Credit: Brandon Bell
Source: NPR
