By Karen Freifeld
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Amy, longtime Donald Trump executive and star prosecution witness in Trump Organization criminal trial Allen Weisselberg was sentenced Tuesday to five months in prison for helping engineer a widespread tax fraud at the former president’s real estate firm.
Weisselberg, 76, was dispatched last August to discuss with prosecutors about all the 000 pleaded guilty to the charges and was sent to New York’s notorious Rikers Island prison. The Trump Organization’s former CFO admitted that from 2017 to 2017 he and other executives received bonuses and perks that ended with Fraudulent way to save the company and themselves money, and he evaded taxes on 1.76 million dollars in income.
The Trump Organization was convicted on all counts it faced in a trial last month in New York state court in Manhattan overseen by Judge Juan Mercan.
At Tuesday’s sentencing hearing, Mercan said he would have received a longer sentence based on trial testimony had he not agreed to the five-month term against Weisselberg for his plea deal last August. sentence.
Merchan singled out Weisselberg for putting his wife on Trump’s payroll so she could get undeserved Social Security benefits. Other perks for the Weisselbergs include a luxury apartment in Manhattan and multiple Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
More than seven figures,” Merchan said.
As part of the punishment, Weisselberg also paid approximately $2 million in taxes, penalties and interest.
He has been on paid leave from the Trump Organization — his employer for about five years — but his lawyer, Nicholas Gravante, said after the hearing that Weisselberg and the company had “amicably parted ways.” .
The Trump Organization did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Merchan is due to issue judgment against the company on Friday, but the fine is capped at $1.6 million.
“Black Hole”
Sentencing was worn in a white crew neck shirt and a light blue disposable mask. Once at Rikers, he was expected to trade his civilian clothes for a uniform and sneakers with Velcro straps.
He may serve 76 days off in prison for good behavior. Those days may not be easy. Rikers Prison is located in New York City Between Queens and the Bronx, known for violence, drugs, and corruption.
There are more than 5 people in the jail, 900 inmates, and 15 Inmates died there last year. The city’s corrections department said its mission included keeping prisoners safe. Rikers plans to open in 2027.
Doors closed and ready to lock.
Another client is Harvey Weinstein, former Hollywood film producer twice convicted of rape. The inmates in the dormitory may not know him, but will know his former boss, who is seeking the presidency again in 2024.
“Of course Mr. Weisselberg’s 19 years relationship with the former president is on all of our minds,” Rothfield said.
Weisselberg testifies that Trump Pu signed bonus and tuition checks and other documents at the heart of the prosecution’s case, but was not part of the tax fraud scheme. He also testified that he expects $250 this month,000, and the firm is paying his attorneys.
Trump has not been charged and denies There was misconduct.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, whose office prosecuted Weisselberg and the Trump Organization, was present at the sentencing. Bragg’s office is still investigating Trump
“In Manhattan, no matter who you are or who you work for, you have to play by the rules,” Bragg said in a statement. he of companies exaggerating asset values and Trump’s net worth.
