Former Trump Org CFO Sentenced To Five Months In Prison For Tax Fraud

Alan Weisselberg, former chief financial officer for the Trump Organization, was sentenced on Tuesday to five months in prison for tax fraud. Weisselberg pled guilty in August to 15 felonies and agreed to testify against the Trump Org. in the Manhattan DA’s investigation.

For Context: Last month, a Manhattan jury found the Trump Organization guilty of tax fraud. Weisselberg’s testimony and cooperation with the investigation, which yielded him a lesser sentence, were a large factor contributing to the verdict. Weisselberg, 75, will reportedly serve his sentence at Rikers Island, and could potentially be released in a few months pending good behavior.

Key Quotes: In a statement released Thursday, the Manhattan District Attorney said, “In Manhattan, you have to play by the rules no matter who you are or who you work for.” In his testimony, Weisselberg blamed his “own personal greed” for the fraud. Fox News quoted a Trump Org. spokesperson distancing the company from Weisselberg’s actions, stating, “​the notion that a company could be held responsible for an employee’s actions, to benefit themselves, on their own personal tax returns is simply preposterous.”

How The Media Covered It: The sentencing was covered moderately across the spectrum on Tuesday, but framing of Weisselberg’s connection to the former President’s business operations varied.  In CNN’s coverage, Weisselberg was repeatedly referred to as a “Trump Org. executive.” In Fox News’ coverage, multiple quotations distanced the actions of Weisselberg from the Trump Organization.