The Washington Post broke this story. Manhattan’s district attorney is convening a grand jury to decide whether Donald Trump should be indicted. He’s investigating a lead that points to a possible crime committed by the former president or someone close to him.
“The panel was convened recently and will sit three days a week for six months,” the Post said, citing two unnamed people familiar with the development.
“It is likely to hear several matters — not just the Trump case — during the duration of its term, which is longer than a traditional New York state grand-jury assignment, these people said.”
The Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance has been investigating Donald Trump’s pre-presidency business dealings for more than two years.
Vance’s office has said in court filings it was investigating “possibly extensive and protracted criminal conduct” at the Trump Organization, including tax and insurance fraud and falsification of business records. read more
Frost spokeswoman, Danny Vance, declined to comment on the Post article.
The Post said the move indicates Vance’s investigation has reached an advanced stage and that he believes he has “found evidence of a crime – if not by Trump then by someone potentially close to him or by his company.”
A criminal investigation into Trump’s company was launched by the New York Attorney General. This increases the legal risks for Trump’s business.
Attorney General Letitia James has been investigating whether the Trump Organization falsely reported property values to secure loans and obtain economic and tax benefits.
Trump, who left office in January, has claimed that he’s not liable of any wrongdoing.
U.S. prosecutors have already been examining the Trump Organization’s business practices – including its legal relationships and tax payments.
A federal prosecutor working with the FBI has spent at least 19 months digging into aspects of Trump’s business empire, especially dealings in Panama, NBC News reported in May 2018.
Trump, his company, and his family members have also been accused of conspiracy by Democrats who believe they secretly helped Russia influence the 2016 presidential election to help Trump win. The U.S.
Last week he attacked James, saying “we will overcome” any attempt at prosecution.
Allegations against Trump
Trump is accused of criminal wrongdoing and possible conspiracy involving illegal campaign contributions, bank fraud, tax evasion, money laundering, and obstruction of justice. Trump has also been accused by at least 18 women to have sexually abused them in incidents dating back as far as the early 1970s up to 2013. Several of the allegations have resulted in litigation.
Allegations include charges that Trump or his companies violated anti-corruption laws by bribing public officials during his dealings in Brazil, Argentina, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Panama.
We will keep you posted as more information breaks.
