Judge floats possibility of bringing Allen Weisselberg into court

[brooklynite]

Source: Politico

Just before court broke for the day, Justice Juan Merchan raised the possibility of calling former Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg into court to see if he’s willing to testify in the case. Weisselberg is currently serving a five-month sentence for perjury, after serving a four-month sentence on tax fraud charges he pleaded guilty to in 2022.

The issue arose after Trump lawyers objected to a plan by prosecutors to show jurors a severance agreement that calls for Weisselberg to receive $750,000 over the rest of this year. “What we are trying to do is to explain from our perspective why he’s not here,” prosecutor Christopher Conroy said, suggesting that the money is discouraging Weisselberg from testifying.

“There are a host of reasons that Mr. Weisselberg is not going to be a witness in this case. ... It’s a very complicated situation and it’s not completely explained by this document,” defense lawyer Emil Bove responded.

The judge wanted to know if either side had subpoenaed him, but neither has. Trump’s lawyers then looked visibly concerned that the judge proposed discussing bringing Weisselberg into court, although it would initially be outside the presence of the jury. Bove quickly chimed in, saying: “I think there are procedural problems with trying to add him to the witness list at this point.” The judge said he wants to think over the situation before ruling.


Read more: https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/05/10/trump-hush-money-criminal-trial/weisselberg-in-court-00157368

[LudwigPastorius]

1. I don't know how much stock you can put in the testimony of a convicted perjurer.

[Tansy_Gold]

2. Especially one being well paid by the defendant?????

[COL Mustard]

3. Isn't Cohen a convicted perjurer?

I’m certainly going to put a lot on what he has to say.

[muriel_volestrangler]

4. Weisselberg's $750k depends on him keeping his mouth shut

Prosecutors Reveal Alleged Hush Money Deal to Trump Crony

In court on Friday, prosecutors revealed that the Trump Organization has promised to pay Weisselberg three installments of $250,000 due later this year in June, September, and December. However, only if he doesn’t “cooperate” with law enforcement.

One part of the contract, read out loud in court, says Weisselberg promises “not to verbally or in writing disparage, criticize, denigrate” the company or any of its executives. Another section says “he will not communicate with” and “otherwise will not cooperate with” any entity seeking “adverse claims” against the company.

And while the law generally punishes people for “aiding or abetting” a criminal, Weisselberg’s contract by contrast punishes him if he decides to “aid, abet, or cause” any action against the Trump real estate empire.
...
The reality is a tad bit complicated. The fact is, neither side wants jurors to hear from Weisselberg—because no one knows what a pissed off old man suffering in jail for the second time around after once again taking the fall for his boss might say.

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/prosecutors-reveal-alleged-hush-money-173351899.html