In a historic decision, a New York jury has found Donald Trump guilty of 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records, marking the first time a former U.S. President has been convicted of a crime, as reported by NBC News.
The verdict was delivered in a Manhattan courtroom where Trump had been standing trial since April 15. He had entered a not guilty plea to all charges, which stem from a hush money payment made by his former attorney Michael Cohen to adult film star Stormy Daniels in the weeks leading up to the 2016 presidential election.
As the jury foreperson pronounced “guilty” on each count, Trump reportedly looked down with narrowed eyes. The jury reached their decision after 9.5 hours of deliberations, which began on Wednesday.
This unprecedented conviction comes as Trump is the presumed Republican nominee for the upcoming presidential election. The judge expressed gratitude to the jurors for their diligent service during the extensive trial.
“You gave this matter the attention it deserved, and I want to thank you for that,” said Judge Juan Merchan, as quoted by NBC News.
Following the verdict, Trump’s attorney Todd Blanche filed a motion for acquittal, which was promptly denied by the judge.
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass, in his closing arguments earlier in the week, emphasized the principle of equal justice under the law. “The law is the law and it applies to everyone equally. There is no special standard for this defendant,” Steinglass asserted. “You, the jury, have the ability to hold the defendant accountable.”
Trump is scheduled to be sentenced in July, a consequential moment in U.S. legal and political history.
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