The second phase the civil case against The trial of the National Rifle Association and its top leaders is about to start in Manhattan on Monday, as New York Attorney General Letitia James pushes for an independent watchdog to oversee the powerful gun rights group.
The Democrat also desires to ban Wayne LaPierrethe organization’s former CEO, is barred from holding leadership positions or raising funds for New York-based charities.
Judge Joel Cohen may also resolve whether former General Counsel John Frazer needs to be barred from charitable organizations within the state.
During the primary phase of the trial earlier this yr, a jury present in February that LaPierre had embezzled tens of millions of dollars in NRA funds to fund a extravagant lifestyle These included exotic getaways and trips on private planes and superyachts.
The jury also found that the NRA improperly managed its assets, omitted or misrepresented information on its tax returns, and violated whistleblower protections under New York state law.
The upcoming trial in state court in Manhattan is a single-judge trial, meaning there will probably be no jury and the judge will resolve the decision.
The NRA said through its attorney that the request for a court-appointed supervisor to oversee the management of the organization’s charitable assets was “unjustified.”
William Brewer, an attorney for the NRA, said Friday that the organization was the victim within the case and has since made a “course correction” to make sure it fully complies with the state’s nonprofit laws.
“The focus of ‘Phase Two’ is on the NYAG’s burden of proving that the NRA’s violation of a law is ‘ongoing’ and ongoing,” he said in an email. “The NYAG cannot meet that burden.”
Spokespeople for James declined to comment, as did an attorney for LaPierre, who said his client didn’t should appear in person but would seem on Monday. An email was also sent to Frazer’s attorney.
The trial before a single judge is anticipated to last about two weeks. Both sides will testify on Monday, James’ office said. Charles Cotton, a former NRA president, is anticipated to take the stand first.
According to James’ office, Bob Barr, the organization’s president and a former congressman, and Douglas Hamlin, CEO of the NRA, are among the many current staff and board members also listed as possible witnesses.
The trial forged a highlight on the leadership, organizational culture and funds of the lobbying group, which was founded in New York City greater than 150 years ago to advertise shooting sports and developed right into a political force that influenced federal laws and presidential elections.
The jury ordered LaPierre to pay nearly $4.4 million back to the organization he led for 3 many years. The NRA’s retired chief financial officer, Wilson “Woody” Phillipswas ordered to repay $2 million.
Last week, James’ office announced details of a settlement with Phillips.
As a part of the agreement, he agreed to not function a trustee of a New York nonprofit for 10 years and in addition agreed to attend training courses before resuming such a position.
The deal means Phillips, now retired, is not going to should attend the trial, which begins Monday, but he’ll still should pay $2 million in damages from the unique verdict.
