By Bond Robertson 
NEW YORK (Dagbladet): Weisselberg, who has worked with the Trump families since 1973, has been sentenced to five months in prison for tax evasion from work benefits worth $1.7 million (about 17 million kronor).
During his sentencing on Tuesday, Judge Juan Manuel Merchant Allen Weisselberg expressed his regret at agreeing to such a reduced sentence.
– If I had not already promised Weisselberg five months, I would have exacted a much harsher sentence. But I will not back down on that promise, although I think a harsher sentence would be appropriate after hearing the evidence, Merchan says in the Manhattan court, according to AP.
Health problems
Weisselberg was taken out of the courtroom in handcuffs and taken to the notorious prison on New York’s Rikers Island. He can be released within three months. He also agreed to a penalty agreement, which means he has already paid $2 million in back taxes, interest and penalties.
Weisselberg’s defense attorney, Nicholas Gravant, has requested that the Trump aide receive a lighter sentence, in part because his health is “far from perfect.”
fake trump card
– Gravanti said he was already severely punished for the shame he had brought upon himself, his wife, children and grandchildren.
Weisselberg originally faced up to 15 years in prison. But then he entered into an agreement that also meant he had to testify against the Trump Organization.
– Only one person fears
To date, Weisselberg is the only person charged in the three-year investigation into the former presidents’ business activities in New York.
Personal greed
Weisselberg himself said he betrayed the trust of the Trump family by evading benefits from his tax return. Benefits included a free luxury apartment, cars and school fees for the grandchildren.
Weisselberg claims that neither Donald Trump nor others in the organization knew about the tax evasion.
– Weisselberg said in court that it was my personal greed that led to this.
However, the prosecution believes that the former boss was well aware of the situation, and that Weisselberg is loyal to the family for which he has worked for nearly fifty years.
Prosecutors in court said Trump “knew exactly what was going on,” and presented a lease he signed for the Weisselberg apartment as evidence.
He wanted to kick him out
It shows, prosecutors said, that Trump explicitly approved the tax fraud.
On Friday, the Trump Organization will also be judged in the case. He risks a fine of up to $1.6 million (about NOK 16 million).
Byzantine black hole
Weisselberg’s stay at Rikers Island would be something very different from the luxurious life he was used to in Manhattan. The prison, located on an island in the East River, is known for violence, drugs, and corruption. During 2022 alone, 19 inmates died.
New bang
“You’re entering a Byzantine black hole,” says prison counselor Craig Rothfeld, who helped Weisselberg prepare for the prison stay. Reuters.
In addition to the criminal case against the Trump Organization, New York Attorney General Letitia James also sued the former president for $250 million for illegal business practices. At the center of the lawsuit are Trump himself and three of his children, Ivanka, Eric and Donald Jr., as well as Weisselberg.
The lawsuit could effectively destroy the Trump family’s ability to do business in New York. A legal hearing in the case is scheduled for October, according to reports Washington Post.
Trump has always denied doing anything wrong. He has already declared that he wants to be the Republican presidential nominee in 2024, and has claimed he is the victim of political stalking from Letitia James, a Democrat.