Trump Organization could face criminal charges in New York as soon as next week

By CNN Newsource

Published June 25, 2021 12:38 PM

By Kara Scannell

The Manhattan district attorney’s office has informed lawyers for the Trump Organization that it could face criminal charges in connection with benefits it has provided to company employees, a person familiar with the matter said.

The charges, which could come as soon as next week, would likely involve allegations of a company effort to avoid paying payroll taxes on compensation it provided to employees, including rent-free apartments, cars and other benefits, the person said.

The New York Times first reported the contact between the DA’s office and Trump Organization lawyers.

Prosecutors are also likely to announce charges against Allen Weisselberg, the Trump Organization chief financial officer, as soon as next week, people familiar with the matter said.

Weisselberg’s lawyers recently informed prosecutors that he would not cooperate in the investigation, the people said. Weisselberg is under scrutiny for benefits he received, including a company-funded apartment and car.

Lawyers for the Trump Organization and Weisselberg did not respond to calls for comment Friday. A spokesman for the district attorney’s office declined to comment.

This story is breaking and will be updated.