Trump Organization defense lawyer expects more indictments in tax evasion case
WASHINGTON — The defense lawyer for the Trump Organization's former chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg, told a New York judge he expects more indictments in a tax fraud case brought by the Manhattan District Attorney.
“We have strong reason to believe that there are other indictments coming,” Weisselberg's lawyer, Bryan Skarlatos, told Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, according to Bloomberg.
The defense lawyer also asked for a delayed schedule on the trial, arguing they were arguing against a “moving target” in the case.
Weisselberg is facing a 15-count indictment alleging criminal tax fraud, conspiracy and falsifying business records. Skarlatos also said that the amount of evidence submitted – more than 6 million documents – would need a team of defense lawyers working nonstop to respond.
More: Trump's longtime financial chief, confidant indicted. Who is Allen Weisselberg?
Weisselberg used corporate funds to finance his houses in New York and Florida, as well as the lifestyles of his children, according to court documents. He resigned his roles in the Trump Organization over the summer.
Solomon Shinerock, a prosecutor for the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, pushed back the defense's complaints, arguing that most of the documents are from the Trump Organization and can be easily reviewed.
“Mr. Weisselberg has been with the Trump Organization for 35 years, and he’s the chief financial officer. And while he may not have technical access to certain of the records, as to the financial records, Mr. Weisselberg is the boss," Shinerock said.
"Mr. Weisselberg is also not an innocent party caught up as collateral damage," Shinerock continued, according to CNN.
The judge agreed to a 120-day motions schedule beginning in January while noting that "many of the documents came from the defendants themselves" and that their claims were "a little misleading" because the defense team is already "familiar with most of the documents."
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