New York Trial Judge Slams Donald Trump’s Defense in Civil Fraud Trial
New York
CNN
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Judge Rejects Trump’s Attempt to Dismiss State Attorney General’s Case
Judge Arthur Engoron, the New York trial judge overseeing Donald Trump’s civil fraud trial, has written a scathing denial of Trump’s latest attempt to dismiss the case brought against him by the state attorney general. This denial could be a sign of a difficult outcome for Trump as the trial process nears its end.
Accounting Experts and Defense Arguments Rejected
In the order, Judge Engoron criticized Trump’s accounting experts and dismissed key points of the defense. He wrote that it would be a “glaring flaw” to assume the testimony of Trump’s accounting experts, Eli Bartov and Jason Flemmons, is truthful and accurate. The judge also highlighted the many material misstatements on Trump’s personal financial statements that the case record proves.
Evaluation, Disclaimers, and Damages
Engoron addressed the defense argument that valuations are subjective and disclaimers on financial statements protect Trump from liability. He stated that a valuation can be based on different criteria but emphasized that “a lie is still a lie.” The judge found the Attorney General’s expert on disgorgement credible and rejected defense claims that the banks lending money to Trump were not damaged.
Trump’s Liability and Ruling
Judge Engoron has previously ruled that Trump, his adult sons, and their businesses were liable for persistent and repeated fraud. He also ordered the dissolution of Trump’s business certificates. The judge will now determine the amount Trump and his company must pay and the future of their business in New York.
Upcoming Briefs and Ruling
The attorney general’s office and Trump’s lawyers have until January 5 to file briefs summarizing their positions. Oral arguments are scheduled for January 11. Engoron is expected to issue his ruling soon after, deciding the amount of disgorgement Trump will need to pay based on his earlier ruling that the financial statements were fraudulent.
Other Causes of Action and Attorney General’s Demands
In addition to fraud, the attorney general’s office is pursuing six other causes of action, including conspiracy, issuing false financial statements, falsifying business records, and insurance fraud. They are seeking over $250 million in damages and a ban on Trump and his sons from doing business in New York.
This story has been updated with additional details.
Read More of this Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-12-19 00:21:00
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