A discussion on the recent indictment of Donald Trump

More from this show

A grand jury in Manhattan has voted to indict Donald Trump, according to three sources familiar with the matter. This is the first time in American history that a president, current or former, will face criminal charges. The Manhattan district attorney’s office has been investigating the former president in connection with his alleged role in a hush money payment scheme and cover-up involving adult film star Stormy Daniels that dates to the 2016 presidential election.

Former U.S. attorney Paul Charlton, a partner of Denton’s joined Ted to explain the case against the former president.

As Charlton points out, the issues Trump is facing involve the business records more so than the actual hush money.

“The payment of hush money, in and of itself- not a crime; how it is that you record that payment, can be a misdemeanor,” said Charlton. “The prosecutors here, according to reports, are attaching to that, let’s call it logging of payments.”

According to Charlton, prosecutors are saying that the business reports did not accurately represent what that money was being used for. Michael Cohen is expected to be a key witness in the trial. However, in the past, Cohen has plead guilty to several crimes that call into question his credibility.

“Prosecutors… are going to have a significant hurdle if they plan to use Mr. Cohen as a chief witness,” said Charlton. “What prosecutors are going to have to do, Ted, is find evidence that doesn’t lie or forget, which is say documents.”

These documents could include checks, emails, writings or recordings what would support what Cohen said occurred.

Illustration of columns of a capitol building with text reading: Arizona PBS AZ Votes 2024

Arizona PBS presents candidate debates

The Capital building with text reading: Circle on Circle: Robert Lowell's D.C.
May 2

An evening with ‘Poetry in America’

Earth Day Challenge graphic with the Arizona PBS logo and an illustration of the earth

Help us meet the Earth Day Challenge!

Graphic for the AZPBS kids LEARN! Writing Contest with a child sitting in a chair writing on a table and text reading: The Ultimate Field Trip
May 12

Submit your entry for the 2024 Writing Contest

Subscribe to Arizona PBS Newsletters

STAY in touch
with azpbs.org!

Subscribe to Arizona PBS Newsletters: