Prosecutor reveals key details of ‘crime’ alleged in Alvin Bragg’s indictment against Trump

Prosecutors have clarified in court the unsaid crime they claim former President Donald Trump planned to cover up, which was not clearly specified in the indictment, according to multiple reports.

When the Manhattan district attorney charged Trump on 34 counts last April for allegedly falsifying business documents related to the $130,000 paid to keep porn star Stormy Daniels quiet about her claims of an affair, he elevated what is generally a criminal offense to a crime by arguing it was done to conceal another crime, which they had not specified.

On Tuesday, prosecutors clarified in court that the crime, which Trump tried to cover up by allegedly falsifying company records, violated a state election law, according to multiple reports.

Read: Mexican officials continue to interfere with Red states’ efforts to crack down on illegal immigration

The statute, New York Election Law § 17-152, makes it a crime for two or more people to “conspire” to influence an election using “unlawful means.”

Prosecutor Josh Steinglass’ clarification came after Trump attorney Emil Bove objected to prosecutors’ line of questioning, noting that there was no conspiracy charge in the indictment, according to multiple reports. Steinglass had questioned witness David Pecker, former publisher of the National Enquirer, about his relationship with former Trump administration official Steve Bannon.

During opening arguments Monday, prosecutor Matthew Colangelo argued that Trump’s alleged reimbursement from former attorney Michael Cohen for the $130,000 paid to Daniels was part of a broader “conspiracy” to influence the 2016 election. He highlighted three “catch and kill” deals Trump reportedly made with Cohen and Pecker to prevent the release of damaging stories.

Read: Florida Governor DeSantis highlights funding for land conservation and flood mitigation

Judge Juan Merchan previously allowed prosecutors to pursue the case under three theories: that Trump’s falsified business records concealed a violation of federal election law, concealed the intent to violate state election law or concealed the intent to violate state tax law. Tuesday’s comments mark the first time prosecutors have clearly stated that they have definitively identified the specific crime.

First published by the Daily Caller News Foundation.

Support the Tampa Free Press by making a small donation by clicking here.

Android users, click to download the Tampa Free Press app and never miss a story. Follow us on Facebook and Tweet. Sign up for our free newsletter.