NEW YORK – Former President Donald Trump was convicted on charges including falsifying business records in a hush money case on Thursday, a notable legal defeat for the leading contender for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
The jury found Trump guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree related to a $130,000 hush money payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016 to buy her silence about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump. Jurors concluded Trump falsified the payoff records at the Trump Organization to cover up potentially damaging revelations ahead of the 2016 election.
The guilty verdict came after two days of deliberations and a monthlong trial in Manhattan. Trump is now the first former U.S. president to be convicted of criminal charges.
As the verdict was read, Trump remained stone-faced. He shook his head slightly and sat with his arms crossed. The 76-year-old former president showed no visible reaction as he left the courthouse.
“I have no comment,” Trump told a crush of reporters outside as protesters jeered.
Trump’s lawyers said they would appeal the verdict. The charges carry a potential penalty of up to four years in prison, though legal experts predict Trump is unlikely to receive jail time.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 11. Trump plans to continue his campaign for the White House despite the conviction.
After the verdict, Trump lashed out in online posts, calling the case a “Witch Hunt” and accusing the judge of bias. He did not present evidence of an unfair trial.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said the verdict showed that “no person is above the law.”
Trump faced no charges over the actual payment, which wasn’t illegal. But prosecutors said he falsified internal business records to cover up reimbursements for the payoff to protect his campaign.
