Trump is sentenced to pay $350 million after fraud trial – 2024-02-20 08:47:52

In an unexpected twist, Judge Arthur Engoron, charged with trying former President Donald J. Trump and the Trump Organization in a fraud case in New York, sentenced the magnate to pay more than $350 million in damages for deceptive practices. related to his real estate empire.

Additionally, the judge indicated that Trump will not be able to serve as an officer or director of any New York corporation, or other legal entity in that state, a punishment that will last three years.

This conviction was the result of a lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who alleged that Trump engaged in deliberate deception that allowed him to inflate his assets in various financial documents.

The official assured that Trump did this in order to improve the image of his organization to obtain commercial loans and other benefits.

While James was seeking $370 million in fines, the current conviction comes pretty close, so it represents a victory for her.

Alina Habba, spokesperson for the businessman, indicated that Trump will appeal the ruling, since, according to the former president’s defense lawyers, the testimonies did not reflect any victim nor the existence of any crime.

The conviction comes after a process that lasted around 11 weeks, with the tycoon appearing in court eight times. During these appearances, the businessman used the spaces in favor of his political agenda, this despite the fact that the magistrate warned him that he should not assume a position as a candidate for public office.

First former president subjected to a criminal trial

The conviction comes just a few weeks after the businessman becomes the first former president in the history of the United States to be subjected to a criminal trialsince the judge of New York, Juan Merchan, confirmed the process for next March 25.

During this trial, the Republican will face 34 charges for an alleged bribe of $130,000 to actress Stormy Daniels, this to supposedly hide an extramarital relationship that could affect his political career.

While this act itself is not illegal, Trump did so by recording the money under the category of “legal fees,” which was discovered after an investigation into the Trump Organization’s accounts.