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How will Trump Organization be penalized? Former president’s company found GUILTY of tax fraud

The firm is accused of carrying out a 15-year-long criminal scheme to defraud tax authorities

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: A criminal trial in Manhattan found Trump Organization guilty of fraud on all counts. Former president Donald Trump's company is now facing a series of tax fraud charges. The potential penalty would amount to $1.6 million. 

Although the amount is not much for such a large company, the charges could harm future business opportunities. "The former president's companies now stand convicted of crimes," Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg said after the verdict, according to the Daily Mail. "That is consequential. It underscores that in Manhattan we have one standard of justice for all." 

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The firm was accused of carrying out a 15-year-long criminal scheme to defraud tax authorities. The scheme included paying expenses like free rent and car leases for top executives without reporting the income. One of these executives involved was former Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg. The scheme also included paying them bonuses as if they were independent contractors, according to prosecutors.

When Weisselberg testified for the prosecution, he refused to implicate Trump personally. He got a lighter sentence after agreeing to testify against the company. One-third of the sentence could be knocked off with credit given for good behavior, making him serve just about 100 days in prison.

Back in August, Nicholas Gravante Jr, the lead attorney for Weisselberg, said in a statement, according to CNN, "In one of the most difficult decisions of his life, Mr. Weisselberg decided to enter a plea of guilty today to put an end to this case and the years-long legal and personal nightmares it has caused for him and his family. “Rather than risk the possibility of 15 years in prison, he has agreed to serve 100 days. We are glad to have this behind him.”

The verdict came after indictments of Trump Corporation and Trump Payroll Corporation last year. Weisselberg pleaded guilty to accepting free rent and use of a car, as well as private school tuition for family members. Trump faces no criminal liability in the case, but he does face a separate civil suit by New York AG Letitia James. James is reportedly suing the company and family members for $250 million. 

Trump's lawyers claimed Weisselberg "betrayed" the company. Weisselberg first worked for Trump's father Fred when he ran the company, and the lawyers have now claimed he set up the schemes for his own benefit. 

Trump slammed the prosecution before the verdict was reached Tuesday, December 6. "Murder and Violent Crime is at an all time high in NYC, and the D.A.'s office has spent almost all of its time & money fighting a political Witch Hunt for D.C. against 'Trump' over Fringe Benefits, something that in the history of our Country, has never been so tried in Court before," he wrote on his Truth Social site. 

"Two weeks at trial, yet no MURDER CASE has gone to trial in 6 years, much to the consternation of victims mothers and families who are devastated that NOTHING is being done to bring JUSTICE. Too busy on 'Donald'," he added. 

Trump's critics used this as an opportunity to condemn the former president, saying, "Trump family is going down. Starts with tax fraud and ends with treason. Happy Holidays, y'all!" Another user wrote, "GUILTY. What a sweet, sweet sound. "On all Counts" makes it an opera." "FINALLY! Trump has been a criminal his entire adult life, and spread deceit and fraud throughout his company. May he go bankrupt and never have a minute's peace for the rest of his miserable life," one user said.

"Amazing. I feel amazing and I'm not even American," one user said, while another wrote, "Today is a wonderful day. I’m so happy. Let’s celebrate!" "Glad for the verdict, but I want HIM in jail. A fascist, a known authoritarian, running for office in the United States! The shame of it! The extreme danger of it!" one user said.

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