Donald Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen admitted on the witness stand Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from the Trump Organization, reports reported. live report From the court.
During his third day of testimony, Cohen admitted that he pocketed money that was supposed to go from the Trump Organization to the technology company Redfinch.
“I was angry that my bonus was reduced.”
Trump’s lawyer, Todd Blanche, confronted Cohen about his claims that he was underpaid by $100,000 in annual bonuses from the Trump Organization in 2017.
“That’s right,” Cohen said, noting that he typically receives a $150,000 annual bonus.
“So the $50,000 you got back from RedFinch only paid RedFinch’s owner $20,000?” Blanche asked Cohen.
“Yes, sir,” Cohen replied.
Cohen admitted that he withdrew the cash over several days because he “didn’t want to take out $20,000.”
“I don’t remember if it was exactly $20,000,” Cohen added.
“So you stole from the Trump Organization,” Blanche said.
“Yes, sir,” Cohen replied.
“You didn’t just steal $30,000. That was the total amount. It was $60,000,” Blanche continued.
Mr. Cohen again replied, “Yes, sir.”
When asked if he had ever had to plead guilty to a theft charge, Cohen said he had never had to plead guilty.
Cohen received a total of $420,000 from Trump in 2017. Cohen said he was paid $130,000 in a settlement with porn actress Stormy Daniels, $50,000 for technology services to Redfinch, $180,000 in estimated taxes and $60,000 in bonuses. However, Mr. Cohen admitted that he only paid Redfinch $20,000 and pocketed the rest. He allegedly admitted the theft to the district attorney’s office, but was not charged.
“I felt like it was almost self-help because I was angry that my bonus was cut,” Cohen testified. “Also, he was paid $130,000 because his bonus was cut by two-thirds, which was very upsetting to say the least.”
Mr. Cohen claimed that the $420,000 he received from Mr. Trump had nothing to do with legal services.
CNN legal analyst Ellie Honig called Cohen’s confession “a bomb dropped in the middle of the prosecution’s case.”
CNN’s Laura Coates said the defense could “prove that Michael Cohen is untrustworthy with respect to the amount, and then prove that he had no idea how much Donald Trump was actually paying.” I can’t do it.”
Mr. Blanche also presented to the jury an email from Allen Weisselberg, former chief financial officer of the Trump Organization, to Mr. Cohen discussing a possible retainer agreement. Mr. Cohen claims that after being appointed Mr. Trump’s personal attorney, he was never contracted to provide legal services to the Trump Organization.
Mr. Weisselberg’s email to Mr. Cohen said, “Thank you. You never stopped for a brotherly hug. Anyway, we talked about it so we could pay you monthly.” Please prepare a written agreement.”
Additionally, Mr. Blanche confirmed to Mr. Cohen that he had changed his email signature to reflect his role as the former president’s lawyer.
“It always said President Donald J. Trump’s personal attorney,” Branch explained. “His job has changed – President Trump’s job has changed – your job hasn’t changed.”
Mr. Cohen agreed with Mr. Blanche.
“You told everyone that it was happening, right?” asked Blanche.
“Not everyone, but I’m certainly proud of the role and presenting it,” Cohen responded. He spoke to TMZ and the New York Times and admitted that he appeared on Sean Hannity’s show to discuss his role.
Mr. Blanche also asked Mr. Cohen about his meeting with attorney Robert Costello.
Costello claimed to have worked as Cohen’s attorney from April 2018 to July 2018, but Cohen denied ever having a contract with Costello.
Last week, Mr. Costello told lawmakers at a hearing on federal weaponization that Mr. Cohen had lied on the stand in the New York criminal case against Mr. Trump. blaze news Previously reported. Costello called Cohen a “habitual liar” and tarnished his reputation.
Costello said Cohen repeatedly told Daniels he paid $130,000 himself.
“He wanted to do something to get himself back into Donald Trump’s inner circle. That’s why he took care of this on his own. There had to be a motive. Michael Cohen always had his own interests in mind. “We’re working to become,” Costello said.
During Monday’s trial, Blanche showed jurors several emails between Mr. Costello and Mr. Cohen that suggested Mr. Costello was acting as Mr. Cohen’s attorney (see attached). (with or without a contract).
“Would it be surprising to know that you called Mr. Costello, and Mr. Costello called you 75 times, and that you actually communicated by phone?” Blanche asked Cohen.
“That seems excessive,” Cohen paused. “Possible.”
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