A New York jury has found former US President Donald Trump guilty of all 34 felony charges. These charges relate to falsifying business records linked to a payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 elections. The payment was arranged by Trump’s then-lawyer, Michael Cohen.
At 77 years old, Trump becomes the first US President to be convicted of a crime. He still faces three other criminal cases. His sentencing for this case is set for July 11, just before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where he is expected to be confirmed as the GOP’s presidential nominee.
Each count carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison, although the judge overseeing the case has the discretion to impose a different punishment. Trump plans to appeal the verdict.
The charges stem from records that falsely claimed payments were for legal expenses. In reality, these payments were to reimburse Cohen for the $130,000 he paid Daniels to keep quiet about her alleged affair with Trump in 2006. Both Cohen and Daniels testified to this.
Despite the guilty verdicts, Trump showed little reaction during the reading of the verdict. However, his son Eric Trump appeared visibly upset as each “guilty” verdict was announced.