Ex-Trump Org exec sentenced to 5 months in jail over tax fraud scheme

/ 04/04/2023

Former CFO Allen Weisselberg during a trial at the New York Supreme Court on Nov. 17. Photo: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg was sentenced Tuesday for his role in helping run a years-long tax fraud scheme at the former president’s business, the AP reported.

Driving the news: Weisselberg, 75, was sentenced to five months in jail and taken into custody. He is expected to serve his sentence at Rikers Island in New York.

  • Weisselberg also has to pay nearly $2 million in taxes and penalties and will receive five years of probation, which is in line with his plea agreement, per AP. Weisselberg reportedly could be eligible for early release — and serve a little more than three months — if he "behaves behind bars."

The big picture: Weisselberg pleaded guilty in August to assisting in the tax fraud scheme and admitted to 15 felonies.

  • Weisselberg and the Trump family business were charged in 2021 for taking more than $1.7 million in "off the books" compensation from the organization.
  • The Trump Organization was convicted in December over the tax fraud scheme.

What they're saying: "In Manhattan, you have to play by the rules no matter who you are or who you work for," Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement after the sentencing.

  • "Now, [Weisselberg] and two Trump companies have been convicted of felonies and Weisselberg will serve a jail sentence for his crimes," Bragg said.
  • "These consequential felony convictions put on full display the inner workings of former President Trump’s companies and its CFO’s actions."

Editor's note: This story was updated with additional details.

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