Jeffrey McConney the controller of the Trump Organization is expected to face extended questioning this week as the trial of former President Donald Trump in Manhattan. McConney who began testifying on Monday could be questioned from Tuesday through Thursday as the trial is typically held every business day except Wednesdays.
Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records a Class E felony brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg a Democrat. The charges relate to alleged hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels in the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election. Trump has denied having any sexual encounters with Daniels.
Prosecutors are expected to call a range of witnesses to testify about the Trump Organization’s business practices and the alleged hush money payments while the defense is likely to argue that Trump was not personally involved in the payments and that they were made to protect his reputation rather than to influence the election.
The trial which began last week is being closely watched as it is the first criminal proceeding against a former U.S. president. If convicted Trump could face up to four years in prison though legal experts say a sentence of that length is unlikely. The trial’s outcome could also have implications for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
McConney’s extended questioning highlights the complexity of the case and the significance of his testimony as a key witness for the prosecution. The trial is expected to last several weeks.
