Trump Convicted in New York Hush Money Trial

NEW YORK CITY – Former President Donald J. Trump was found guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records Thursday, May 30th, in a landmark verdict issued by a jury at the Manhattan Criminal Court located at 100 Centre Street. The unanimous decision marks the first time a former U.S. president has been convicted of a felony.

The verdict came after two days of deliberations, which began on Wednesday, May 29th, concluding a trial that commenced on April 15th. The charges stemmed from a $130,000 hush-money payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels just before the 2016 presidential election. Prosecutors successfully argued that Trump directed his then-attorney, Michael Cohen, to make the payment and subsequently falsified company records by categorizing reimbursements to Cohen as "legal expenses."

Prosecutors contended that these actions were part of a scheme to unlawfully conceal information and influence the outcome of the 2016 election. The jury agreed that Trump knowingly and unlawfully falsified business records with the intent to commit or conceal another crime.

Judge Juan Merchan has scheduled Trump's sentencing for July 11th. Following the verdict, Trump maintained his innocence, denouncing the trial as "rigged" and indicating his legal team would appeal the decision.