18 August 2022 - 17:52Veteran Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg. Picture: BLOOMBERG
Trump hasn’t been charged in the case and, according to a person familiar with the matter, Weisselberg won’t implicate his boss as part of his plea. But because Weisselberg’s deal requires him to testify against his employer, an admission of criminal conduct could mean trouble for the Trump Organization, experts say.
New York State Supreme Court justice Juan Merchan read the entire 15-count indictment, repeatedly asking Weisselberg if he’d committed each of the charges. Each time, Weisselberg answered quietly, “Yes, your honour.” As CFO, Weisselberg would certainly qualify under the law as “a high managerial agent”, Roiphe said. “Weisselberg can be compelled to testify and the plea allocution essentially locks in his testimony.” Weisselberg’s plea deal requires him to testify against Trump’s real estate company, according to two people familiar with the matter. If he doesn’t answer truthfully, that would void the agreement.
While prosecutors said in court Thursday that they’d recommend six months in prison, Weisselberg’s attorney said he agreed to five months as part of the deal. People familiar with the matter said earlier he may do considerably less time with good behaviour. The company faces fines if convicted in the criminal case.Merchan set an October 24 trial date for Weisselberg and the Trump Organization. If the company proceeds to trial, it could be defending the case during the midterm elections.
Just days after the August 8 search, Trump sat for a deposition in an investigation of his company by New York attorney-general Letitia James. The former president pleaded his fifth amendment right against self-incrimination in declining to answer almost all of her questions.