New York Attorney General Letitia James recently marked another victory after the Manhattan jury voted that the NRA and its head, Wayne LaPierre, were liable in a case accusing them of corruption.
Announced on Friday, the lawsuit, which dates back to 2020 when it was first filed, held LaPierre, John Frazer and Wilson “Woody” Phillips accountable for incorrectly using financial resources.
LaPierre was found guilty of misusing funds for personal reasons, including private jets, trips and shopping sprees in Beverly Hills.
Per Attorney General Letitia James, the NRA bypassed board approval for transactions and violated laws that were made to protect whistleblowers. During trial deliberations, numerous whistleblowers testified that they were harassed or intimidated by the company after mentioning the wrong usage of the funds.
With the jury’s announcement, LaPierre’s violation has been deemed to equate to $5.4 million in damages. After paying a little over $1 million, he must pay $4.35 million.
“This verdict is a major victory for the people of New York and our efforts to stop the corruption and greed at the NRA,” said Attorney General James. “ LaPierre and senior leaders at the NRA blatantly abused their positions and broke the law. But today, after years of rampant corruption and self-dealing, Wayne LaPierre and the NRA are finally being held accountable.”
After years of rampant corruption and self-dealing, Wayne LaPierre and the NRA are finally being held accountable.
— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) February 24, 2024
No one is above the law. https://t.co/7X2W11xGAN
“We will not hesitate to pursue justice against any individual or organization that violates our laws or our trust, no matter how powerful they are,” she added.
The latest announcement of the NRA case comes amidst a series of wins by Attorney General James.
Earlier this month, she marked a landmark win in a case against Donald Trump.
On Feb. 16, New York State Supreme Court Justice Arthur F. Engoron ruled that Donald Trump and the other defendants, alongside the Trump Organization entities, need to pay over $450 million total and are banned from serving as an officer or director in a New York business for three years.
“When powerful people cheat to get better loans, it comes at the expense of honest and hardworking people,” said Attorney General James. “Everyday Americans cannot lie to a bank to get a mortgage to buy a home, and if they did, our government would throw the book at them. There simply cannot be different rules for different people.”
The case initially began in September 2022 after Attorney General James filed a lawsuit accusing them of illegal conduct and financial fraud.
Elected in 2018, Attorney General James made history as the first woman and the first Black candidate to win and serve in the position.
Throughout her career, she’s helmed numerous cases, including those investigating the state’s actions towards COVID-19, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s sexual harassment allegations as well as the NFL’s employment practices.
