Wayne LaPierre, who for decades controlled the NRA, is on trial, as the former CEO of the powerful gun rights organization is accused of misusing tens of millions of dollars in a lawsuit brought by the New York attorney general’s office. – CBS News
“NRA leaders knock back liberal pols ‘who want to exaggerate our death’: ‘We haven’t lost a beat'”
NRA President Charles Cotton and Interim EVP & CEO Andrew Arulanandam sit down with @FoxNews/@EmmColt ➡️https://t.co/m0EJBDI1TY pic.twitter.com/PajVZJtCMK
— NRA (@NRA) February 20, 2024
The civil trial involving three National Rifle Association (NRA) executives and the organization itself continues to unfold as the jury resumed deliberations on Tuesday, Feb. 20, in New York City. The case, initiated by New York Attorney General Letitia James on Aug. 6, 2020, stems from a comprehensive 2019 investigation conducted by her office. We all know what kind pf person she is since this is the same political animal that is going after Trump. Can we expect anything different as she goes after other Conservative groups and individuals in this age of the Democrat banana republic?
The corrupt NYC judicial system strikes again. You don’t need evidence to prosecute in NY. If you are a Democrat prosecutor, it’s a slam dunk. – Scotty Stegall
Initially naming former NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre, ex-treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Wilson “Woody” Phillips, former Chief of Staff and Executive Director of General Operations Josh Powell, and corporate secretary and general counsel John Frazer as defendants, the case saw Powell settle on Jan. 5. He agreed to testify for the state, pay the NRA $100,000 in restitution, and is now barred from involvement with nonprofits. You know the game that is played. They will torture you with legal costs and then offer a way out, making it look like you are guilty and if and only if you agree to help with something negative about others. We have seen this over and over again, where people were broken by the Left, unable to afford lawyers and forced to make deals admitting guilt where none existed.
In her press release on the day of filing, Attorney General James alleged that the accused individuals exploited the NRA for personal gain, violating both state and federal laws and contributing to a staggering loss of over $64 million within three years for the organization.
The NRA, however, vehemently refuted these claims. Interim Executive Vice President and CEO Andrew Arulanandam dismissed the lawsuit as a political attack, asserting that the evidence did not support the allegations made by the New York attorney general.
New York jury begins deliberations in NRA civil corruption trial https://t.co/wgphbhqiiP
— Guardian news (@guardiannews) February 16, 2024
The complaint seeks the removal of executives from their positions within the NRA and prohibits them from engaging in nonprofit work. It also demands restitution for the NRA, including the salaries received during their tenures. Notably, LaPierre resigned on Jan. 31, while Phillips retired in 2018 with a $1.8 million consulting contract, and Frazer retains his position within the organization.
A pivotal moment in the legal proceedings occurred in March 2022 when New York Supreme Court Justice Joel M. Cohen ruled that even if the allegations were accurate, they did not warrant the dissolution of the NRA. Justice Cohen argued that such an action could potentially infringe on the First Amendment rights of millions of NRA members, as the allegations primarily pertained to harm done to the organization and its donors.
The complaint alleges a “culture of self-dealing, mismanagement, and negligent oversight” within the NRA. The attorney general’s office contends that LaPierre and his associates, including family and friends, benefited from millions of dollars due to their positions. This allegedly included the misuse of private planes, funded vacations, luxury black car services, private security, and questionable expense reimbursements.
After 6 weeks of testimony, jurors begin deliberating in the New York AG'S civil corruption trial against the NRA and its former leader Wayne LaPierre. https://t.co/aMzV6poodC
— NBC News (@NBCNews) February 16, 2024
In addition to financial improprieties, the defendants are accused of ignoring their fiduciary duties, covering up their alleged activities, and retaliating against whistleblowers and board members who attempted to expose their actions. An example highlighted in the complaint involves former NRA president Oliver North, who was allegedly forced out by LaPierre for investigating an undisclosed deal with a law firm.
The NRA, in response, claims that the lawsuit is politically motivated and aimed at stifling pro-Second Amendment ideas. They argue that Attorney General James intended to use her powers to dismantle one of the nation’s oldest civil rights organizations even before taking office.
AG Letitia James is now in court against the National Rifle Association. James is asking for sweeping financial penalties against the NRA and its top leaders. A verdict is due any day. https://t.co/Wkq8yTGDKi
— Diana Manister (@DianaCialino) February 20, 2024
To address the issues raised in the lawsuit, the NRA asserts that it has taken various corrective measures, including severing ties with individuals and vendors involved in improprieties, implementing compliance procedures, and undergoing internal training. The organization maintains that the legal expenses incurred are an investment in its mission, emphasizing its commitment to defending constitutional freedoms.
I think it’s time to start suing anyone who associates a mass shooting with the NRA, because not one single mass shooting has been committed by a member. – nickpolitic
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Major Points Discussed:
- The civil trial involving three NRA executives and the organization itself is set to resume deliberations on Feb. 20 in New York City.
- New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a civil lawsuit on Aug. 6, 2020, alleging that the executives, including former EVP Wayne LaPierre, used the NRA for personal gain, violating state and federal laws.
- Former NRA Chief of Staff Josh Powell settled his case on Jan. 5, agreeing to testify for the state and pay $100,000 in restitution. Wayne LaPierre resigned on Jan. 31.
- The complaint accuses the defendants of establishing a culture of self-dealing, mismanagement, and negligent oversight within the NRA, resulting in extravagant expenditures and personal benefits.
- The NRA contends that the lawsuit is politically motivated, aiming to suppress pro-Second Amendment ideas. The organization emphasizes steps taken to address issues, including severing ties with wrongdoers, hiring compliance managers, and implementing new procedures, framing legal expenses as an investment in their mission.
Comments – Threads – Links
- Let’s see…where have I seen this behavior by the NYC courts? Hmmmm? Oh, that’s right, against President Trump! I’m seeing a pattern here! – Jerry S.
- NY continues its long fight to destroy itself. – RandolphLucas7L
- This is definitely a political ploy – Susie Pickett
- Foreign assets infiltrating our government and destabilizing our country – YaDonkey
- AG Letitia James is now in court against the National Rifle Association. James is asking for sweeping financial penalties against the NRA and its top leaders. A verdict is due any day- Diana Manister
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