Former US President Donald Trump has been convicted and sentenced for falsifying business records, according to a foreign news agency.
Trump was found guilty of 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records to conceal payments made to adult film actresses before the 2016 presidential election, making him the first US president to be accused and convicted of a crime.
Prosecutors called around two dozen witnesses, and the jury took two days to reach a verdict after closing arguments on Tuesday. They argued that Trump attempted to hide business records to boost his chances of winning the election, which he ultimately did. The judge has scheduled Trump’s sentencing for 10 a.m. on July 11 and ordered that all adjournment motions be filed by June 13.
Trump was accused of having a sexual relationship with adult film actress Stormy Daniels, and paying her to keep quiet during the 2016 election. Observers suggest that Trump could face up to four years in prison for each count, though probation or community service is also a possibility.
Outside the courtroom, Trump told reporters that the trial was rigged and shameful, asserting that the true verdict will come on November 5, and that the public understands what really happened. He maintained his innocence, calling the case an insult but emphasizing that it is not over yet.
Larry Hogan, the Republican candidate for the US Senate, stated that the jury’s decision should be respected. However, Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump, expressed hope that the jury’s decision would be overturned on appeal
