New York’s Attorney General Letitia James is joining the Manhattan District Attorney in a criminal probe of the Trump Organization and have informed the Trump Organization officials of the change.
A civil probe is continuing to look into whether the company misled lenders and insurance companies about the value of properties and whether it paid the appropriate taxes. James’ notification to the organization brings a new level of potential legal risk to the former President, with the attorney general now able to seek criminal penalties as part of the probe.
James’ office will not be conducting an independent investigation of their own, but will join the efforts of the office of Cyrus Vance. The Manhattan district attorney has focused on Trump’s chief financial officer Alan Weisselberg, and has subpoenaed records from Mr. Weisselberg’s bank and the private school in Manhattan that his grandchildren have attended.
A civil inquiry could lead to a lawsuit or fines, while a criminal investigation could lead to charges.
Trump also faces criminal charges in Fulton County, Georgia, where district attorney is looking into his attempts to reverse the outcome of the presidential election in the state.
CNN and New York Times
