Trump Organization sentenced for 17 felony counts of tax fraud

A New York judge sentenced the Trump Organization to pay $1.6 million in fines — the maximum allowed — after a jury convicted both Trump Corp. and Trump Payroll Corp. on all 17 felony counts, including scheme to defraud, conspiracy, criminal tax fraud, and falsifying business records. The convictions stemmed from a 15-year scheme in which the company paid top executives off-the-books compensation including rent-free apartments, car leases, and tuition payments to evade taxes. While Trump himself was not charged, prosecutors argued the fraud served him personally by allowing lower salary payments while keeping key deputies loyal.