The prosecution rested its case on Monday in the tax fraud trial of former President Trump’s real estate company.
After calling five witnesses over three weeks, the prosecution in New York state court in Manhattan set the stage for the Trump Organization to mount its defense.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office has charged the Trump Organization with unlawfully awarding executive perks over a span of 15 years without telling tax authorities, and with falsely reporting bonuses as non-employee compensation. The company could face $1.6 million in fines if convicted.
Jurors last week heard from the prosecution’s star witness, company Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg, who testified that the Trump Organization paid his personal expenses for more than a decade, allowing him to avoid paying some $1.7 million in taxes.
On Thursday company Controller Jeffrey McConney suggested while testifying under oath that former President Trump was aware of allegedly illegal tax practices at his real estate company.
Trump, who launched his bid to run for reelection in 2024 last week, has not been charged. He has denied any wrongdoing and said he is being targeted because of politics.
