NEW YORK (AP) — The numbers man did the maths: Allen Weisselberg — a longtime loyal lieutenant to Donald Trump — may have gotten years in jail if he went to trial and didn’t beat tax evasion allegations. But when he agreed to testify in an upcoming trial of the previous president’s firm, he would most likely serve not more than 100 days.

Weisselberg, 75, took the deal Thursday, pleading responsible to 15 counts, together with tax fraud and larceny.

Now he’s doubtlessly going to be the star witness in opposition to the Trump Group in a trial over what prosecutors say was a “sweeping and audacious” scheme by the corporate to assist prime executives, together with Weisselberg, keep away from taxes on perks like luxurious automobiles and rent-free flats.

Listed here are the fundamentals of the case and what Weisselberg’s choice to plead responsible means for Donald Trump and his household enterprise.

WHAT WERE ALLEN WEISSELBERG AND THE TRUMP ORGANIZATION ACCUSED OF DOING?

Federal authorities mentioned Weisselberg, the Trump Group’s longtime chief monetary officer, didn’t pay taxes on greater than $1.7 million value of compensation.

Amongst these perks: The Trump Group paid the hire on his Manhattan house, coated personal faculty tuition for his grandchildren, leased Mercedes-Benz automobiles for him and his spouse, gave him money at hand out as vacation ideas and paid for flat-screen TVs, carpeting, and furnishings for his winter house in Florida. Weisselberg’s son additionally didn’t must pay hire, or paid a below-market hire, whereas residing in Trump-owned flats.

SO AFTER ALL THAT — IS ALLEN WEISSELBERG STILL THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF THE TRUMP ORGANIZATION?

Weisselberg remains to be employed by the Trump Group, however his title was modified to senior adviser after the July 2021 indictment.

WHY DID ALLEN WEISSELBERG DECIDE TO TAKE A PLEA DEAL?

Within the phrases of Weisselberg’s lawyer, it was time to place an finish to the yearslong “authorized and private nightmares it has precipitated for him and his household.” The Trump Group appeared to haven’t any exhausting emotions, calling Weisselberg a “effective and honorable man” who has been “harassed, persecuted and threatened by legislation enforcement.”

WHAT ARE THE TERMS OF ALLEN WEISSELBERG’S PLEA DEAL?

A choose has agreed to condemn Weisselberg to 5 months at New York’s notorious Rikers Island jail advanced. With good conduct, he’ll be eligible for launch after little greater than three months. He’ll additionally must pay almost $2 million and spend 5 years on probation. Crucially, although, he should testify in truth when the Trump Group goes on trial in October. Weisselberg received’t be formally sentenced till after the trial. Till then, he stays free on bail.

WILL THE TRUMP ORGANIZATION ALSO TAKE A PLEA DEAL?

In its assertion, the corporate mentioned it had executed nothing incorrect and would “sit up for having our day in courtroom.” Each Weisselberg and the Trump Group initially pleaded not responsible to the fees, sustaining that the perks have been customary for firms and the investigation was politically motivated. Weisselberg’s settlement to testify, although, may considerably hurt the corporate’s protection. That might enhance stress for it to resolve the case with out a trial.

WHAT DOES THE TRUMP ORGANIZATION ACTUALLY DO?

It’s a enterprise entity by way of which Trump manages his many entrepreneurial affairs, together with his investments in workplace towers, lodges and golf programs, his many advertising and marketing offers and his tv pursuits. It runs golf golf equipment and lodges, collects checks from firms renting workplaces, and expenses licensing charges to buildings and others for bearing the Trump title.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR DONALD TRUMP?

It isn’t clear. The Republican isn’t charged within the case. Prosecutors haven’t alleged any private misconduct by Trump. If his firm is convicted of a criminal offense, although, it may result in steep fines or complicate future enterprise offers. A trial beginning in October, proper earlier than the midterm elections, may additionally produce new revelations concerning the firm’s enterprise practices — though Trump’s supporters may not care. He’s mentioned the whole case is being cooked up by Democrats to wreck him politically.