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Ex-Trump CFO Allen Weisselberg Released After Rikers Island Sentence

 July 21, 2024

After spending 100 days behind bars, former Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg has been released from Rikers Island prison.

Weisselberg returned home following his guilty plea in a case involving false testimony related to Donald Trump’s financial statements.

Weisselberg Admitted To Lying Under Oath

Allen Weisselberg served 100 days in jail as part of his sentence after admitting to lying under oath during testimony in former President Donald Trump’s 2023 civil fraud case. The case centered around accusations that Trump inflated his wealth to secure a bank loan.

As the long-time CFO of the Trump Organization, Weisselberg revealed that the Manhattan penthouse of Donald Trump was falsely listed as 30,000 square feet, whereas the actual size was less than 11,000 square feet. This revelation was a significant aspect of the civil fraud case brought against Trump.

Weisselberg's admission to misrepresenting the penthouse's size was part of a plea deal with prosecutors. This deal ensured that Weisselberg would receive a reduced sentence and avoid being charged for other potential crimes committed during his tenure at the Trump Organization, which spanned nearly five decades.

Weisselberg Served 100 Days Of A Five-Month Sentence

In addition to the false testimony case, Weisselberg had also pleaded guilty to 15 state crimes connected to evading $1.6 million in taxes. Following this guilty plea, he was sentenced to five months in prison, of which he served 100 days. This sentence forms part of a wider investigation into the Trump Organization’s financial practices.

Despite his multiple admissions of guilt, Weisselberg had previously testified on behalf of Trump twice, defending the former President on both occasions. However, the gravity of the fraud involving the penthouse's inflated value likely influenced his decision to cooperate with prosecutors during the civil fraud case.

Notably, Judge Arthur Engoron presided over the civil fraud case and subsequently ordered Donald Trump to pay $464 million plus interest for altering his net worth for tax benefits. This judgment highlighted the consequences of the financial misrepresentations that had been revealed during the court proceedings.

Trump Posted A Bond To Block The Judgment

In response to Judge Engoron’s decision, Trump posted a $175 million bond in an effort to temporarily block the civil fraud judgment while he appeals the decision. This move indicates the high stakes involved in the ongoing legal battles surrounding Trump's financial affairs.

Weisselberg’s release marks the end of a significant chapter in the investigation into the Trump Organization’s business practices. His cooperation with the prosecutors shed light on key aspects of the alleged financial misdealings.

Weisselberg's attorney, Seth Rosenberg, issued a statement following Weisselberg's sentencing in April. Rosenberg stated, "Allen Weisselberg accepted responsibility for his conduct and now looks forward to the end of this life-altering experience and to returning to his family and his retirement."

Weisselberg’s Future Following His Release

As Weisselberg returns to his family and begins his retirement, the long-term implications of his cooperation with prosecutors and the revelations from his testimony remain to be seen. While he has completed his sentence, the impact of his admissions continues to reverberate through the ongoing legal matters concerning the Trump Organization.

Weisselberg's release might also influence other key figures within the Trump Organization and add pressure on the ongoing legal investigations. His admission of lying under oath underscores the complexities and potential consequences of financial misrepresentations in corporate America.

The case has drawn significant public and media attention, reflecting broader concerns about corporate accountability and the legal ramifications for top executives implicated in financial fraud. As the legal proceedings continue, the outcomes may set precedents for future corporate governance and oversight practices.

For now, Weisselberg steps away from the public eye, but the shadow of the civil fraud case and his role in it will likely linger as the investigation into the Trump Organization proceeds.

Conclusion

After serving 100 days in jail, Allen Weisselberg, former CFO of the Trump Organization, has been released. Weisselberg had pleaded guilty to lying under oath in a case concerning Donald Trump's financial statements and admitting to misrepresenting the size of Trump's penthouse. He cooperated with prosecutors, securing a reduced sentence and avoiding additional charges. Despite previously defending Trump, Weisselberg's testimony played a crucial role in the civil fraud case, which led to Judge Engoron ordering Trump to pay $464 million. Trump has posted a $175 million bond to appeal the decision. Weisselberg now aims to move past this life-altering experience and retire with his family.