NY Prosecutors Eye Criminal Indictments – But Not Trump Himself
The Big Picture
- New York attorneys are gearing up to file criminal charges, but early indications say Donald Trump’s name isn’t on the docket.
- Lawyer Ronald Fischetti, who represents the former president, told reporters that the first wave of indictments is expected to target company insiders, not the 45th president.
- These moves follow a nearly three‑year probe into the Trump Organization’s real‑estate dealings.
Why Weisselberg & Company in Focus
- Allen Weisselberg, the long‑time CFO and Trump’s right hand since 1973, is the main suspect.
- Investigators are examining whether he and other executives received unreported perks—think rent‑free apartments, company cars, and other fringe benefits.
- They’re also pondering charges against the company itself for allegedly skirting taxes and getting better loan terms.
What’s at Stake
- If Weinstein’s perks weren’t properly declared on tax returns, the executives could face serious legal consequences.
- Scholars suggest that the free rent on Trump‑owned units might be valued at around $200,000 over a few years—an amount that could shift filing rules.
- The indictment would mark the first time the prosecution steps in against top Trump Organization officials, a big shift from mere investigation.
Trump’s Response
- Trump tweeted that the prosecutors are “rude, nasty, and totally biased,” swearing the company’s actions are “nothing wrong.”
- He accused them of “searching for a crime” and threatening to scare people into fabricating stories.
- Despite the fierce defense, insiders say the probe continues, and more charges could surface in the coming weeks.
The Courtroom Chronicles
- Jennifer Weisselberg, former wife of Allen’s son Barry, has been handing over a stack of bank statements, tax records, and financial documents to the prosecutors—half a dozen meetings and playing a starring role in the documentation spree.
- Barry, a former ice‑skating rink operator under the Trump business model, was in a Trump‑owned apartment that stayed rent‑free for over five years—raised to worth about $200,000 per the real‑estate data.
- In a 2018 deposition, Barry described the rent as “financial assistance” rather than a gift, but whether Trump himself paid any share remains unclear.
In short: the prosecutors are honing in on the company’s perks and claiming the CFO may have slipped a few snags in tax filings. Trump’s lawyers call it a prank, but the legal drama is still brewing—no doubt the forthcoming indictments could shake up the Trump Organization’s high‑rise reputation.
