New York State Attorney General (AG) Letitia James wants former President Donald Trump to give evidence in an investigation against the Trump Organization. The Attorney General’s office is investigating whether there has been fraudulent activity in the Trump Organization in its real estate deals.
According to a report by the Washington Post, Ms. James wants Trump to appear for a deposition that will be conducted by attorneys from her office. The appearance date is reportedly January 7, 2022. The outlet was informed of the request for Trump to testify by anonymous sources who don’t wish to be named as it’s an ongoing inquiry.
Ms. James’ office is investigating if the real estate company use different property evaluations for different purposes with reference to the same property. It is probing whether the value of the same property was changed when it was used to apply for a loan and when it was valued for paying real estate taxes.
If former president Trump refuses to appear for the deposition, the Empire State’s Attorney General and her office could take him to court in order to force him to comply with the request from the office.
Spokespersons for both Donald Trump and the New York Attorney General’s office have not responded when asked for comment by various news outlets.
The top elected law enforcement official of New York, Ms. James has been conducting investigations into the business practices of Mr. Trump from years. One of these investigations includes whether a Seven Springs estate in Westchester County got tax breaks, improperly.
The Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance’s office is investigating the Trump Organization, as well. There is a criminal probe that is checking whether the Trump Organization broke tax laws. Ms. James is also assisting the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
Earlier in July, Allen Weisselberg, who is now the ex-chief financial officer of the former president’s business empire had been indicted for more than 12 counts of financial fraud. Some of the charges included falsification of records, tax fraud and more.
