As the end of a criminal tax fraud trial of Donald Trump’s real estate company neared on Thursday, a defense lawyer argued that the former president knew nothing about a former senior executive’s years-long scheme.

Susan Necheles, representing one unit of the Trump Organization, pointed the finger at Allen Weisselberg, the longtime chief financial officer, in her closing argument to the 12-member jury in New York state court in Manhattan.

“We are here today because of one reason and one reason only – the greed of Allen Weisselberg,” Necheles said. “The purpose of Mr Weisselberg’s crimes was to benefit Mr Weisselberg.”

Necheles also pinned blame on Donald Bender, an accountant with Mazars USA, for turning a blind eye to Weisselberg’s wrongdoing.

“President Trump relied on Mazars, he relied on Donald Bender to be the watchdog,” Necheles said. “Bender failed.“

Prosecutors were expected to deliver their closing argument on Thursday afternoon and Friday, with jury deliberations beginning on Monday.

The Trump Organization was charged in July 2021 with paying personal expenses for executives without reporting the income, and compensating them as if they were independent contractors, in a 15-year scheme to cheat tax authorities.

If convicted on all nine counts, the company faces up to $1.6m in fines. Trump, who is seeking the presidency in 2024, is not charged.

Weisselberg pleaded guilty to tax fraud and other charges under an agreement with prosecutors and is expected to serve...

Read Full Story: https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMicGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnRoZWd1YXJka...