Allen Weisselberg’s worsening nightmare
Even if your week didn’t turn out as great as you’d hoped, you still probably had a better week than Allen Weisselberg. He got arrested. He got charged with fifteen felony counts that’ll likely send him to prison for more years than he’d want to serve at his age. He’s looking at financial ruin. And two of his sons are reportedly under criminal investigation for allegedly participating in his financial crime spree.
Weisselberg can make most or maybe even all of his troubles go away, simply by becoming a cooperating witness against Donald Trump and the Trump family. Thus far he’s refusing to do so. But there’s good reason to expect that might change as his life continues to turn into more of a nightmare.
Former federal prosecutor Michael J. Stern has written a lengthy piece in USA Today where he spells out why Weisselberg could end up changing his mind: “I’ve had many defendants tell me to shove my cooperation offer, then take it after seeing what I planned to show the jury.”
Stern goes on to point out that as we get closer to the inevitable court proceedings in the Weisselberg criminal case, the more Weisselberg may become apprehensive about having all his criminal dirty laundry aired out at trial.
Stern also points out that by solely initially charging Weisselberg, and not other individuals in the Trump Organization, prosecutors have cut off Weisselberg from all his potential allies; if he and other individuals had simultaneously been indicted, they might have all decided to plot a joint defense. But since Weisselberg is the only one who’s been indicted, other Trump Organization officials will likely shun him.
Stern concludes that “It’s time for Trump to get nervous. Finally.” You can read his full USA Today article here.
