Trump's right-hand man Cohen admits to theft

The trial in which former US President Donald Trump is accused of paying "hush money" to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election continued at the Manhattan Criminal Court in New York.

During today's hearing, as the court continued the cross-examination of Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer also known as his right-hand man at the time, a development occurred that could undermine Cohen's credibility as a witness. 

Questioned by Trump's attorney Todd Blanche, Cohen admitted to stealing money from the Trump Organization.

Explaining that he had embezzled funds by manipulating a payment made to a technology company, Cohen said he delivered approximately 20 thousand dollars of a 50 thousand dollar debt in cash inside a paper bag, and kept the rest.

Noting that he did this because he received a low annual bonus, Cohen said, "I was angry because of the reduction in the bonus. So, I felt like this was a form of self-help."

When asked by Trump's attorney Blanche, "So you stole from the Trump Organization. Didn't you?", Cohen replied, "Yes."

DISMISSAL OF THE CASE REQUESTED

Trump's attorney Todd Blanche requested that the case be dismissed, claiming that the prosecution had failed to present sufficient evidence and that Cohen was not a credible witness.

Responding "Yes" to Judge Juan Merchan's question, "So you are asking me to rule that Mr. Cohen is not legally credible?", Blanche said, referring to Cohen, "We didn't just catch him lying, your honor.

He came here with a history full of lies. He testified under oath in this courtroom and he lied." The court announced that a decision regarding the request to dismiss the case would be made later.

"HUSH MONEY TRIAL IS A WITCH HUNT"

Making a statement after the hearing, Trump reiterated his criticisms regarding the judicial process against him. Describing the "hush money" trial as a "witch hunt," Trump said he hoped Judge Juan Merchan would accept the request to dismiss the case. Stating that "this case should be dismissed by the judge," Trump added that if he did so, Merchan could "restore his reputation."

COULD FACE PRISON TIME

In the case, also known publicly as the "hush money" trial, Trump is accused of paying "hush money" to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election and falsifying official records to cover up the payment. The trial, which is significant as it marks the first time in US history that a former US President has been tried in a criminal case, could result in Trump facing up to 4 years in prison.

News Source: İHA