Prosecutors in Manhattan are considering filing criminal charges against former President Trump’s organization, following a lengthy investigation into his business transactions.
The New York Times, citing sources familiar with the developments, writes that allegations could be made as early as next week about the benefits the company offers to top executives, such as apartments, cars and tuition fees at universities or in private schools .
Trump’s attorney, Ron Fischetti, said he had conducted a computer-connected conversation with Manhattan Attorney General Cyrus Roberts Vance on Thursday in an attempt to persuade him not to file criminal charges against the company, but added that the allegations were expected.
If such accusations are made, they are utterly absurd and unprecedented. “All this is being done just to get revenge on Donald Trump.” he said Friday in comments to the Associated Press news agency.
“We will plead not guilty and will request that the charges not be considered for the opening of the trial.”
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office declined to comment.
So far the lengthy investigative process has not resulted in charges. Prosecutors have long analyzed the former president’s fiscal documentation, issued court orders to release the documents, and interviewed witnesses who worked closely with the former president as well as company executives.
Law enforcement officials aware of the process say the investigation has reached a critical point. A grand jury was recently called in to analyze the evidence, and New York Attorney General Letitia James said she would appoint two lawyers to work with Mr. Vance on the investigation.
The investigative process has focused in part on Trump’s chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg.
The 73-year-old Weisselberg is in the spotlight as questions have been raised about the fact that his son has used a low-cost or free Trump-owned apartment, as well as questions about tuition fees at private institutions for Mr. Weisselberg’s nephews.
Mr. Weisselberg’s lawyer, Mary Mulligan, did not respond to a request for comment Friday.
The practice of rewarding highly valued employees with valuable gifts is not illegal, but in many cases these gifts are taxed as part of the individual’s income. Mr. Fischetti said it would be a misinterpretation of the law by prosecutors if they raise charges regarding these rewards and gifts.
“We have analyzed cases over a period of 100 years and found no example of an employee being charged with receiving a gift,” he said. He added that for such an act to be a violation of the law, it should have been done in the interest of the company and with the knowledge of the company. “Prosecutors do not have such evidence.” / VOA /