Trump Organization, CFO Allen Weisselberg Charged With 15-Year Tax Fraud, Surrenders

After long-running investigations, Donald Trump's company and its chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg, on Thursday were charged with tax-related crimes by New York prosecutors.

An indictment charged Trump Organization and an entity called Trump Payroll Corporation with 10 counts and Weisselberg with 15 felony counts linked with a 15-year-long scheme. They are in legal trouble in connection with defraud, conspiracy, criminal tax fraud and falsifying business records, reported CNN.

Weisselberg, 73, surrendered to New York authorities on Thursday.

Trump's company allegedly paid for rent, utilities and garage expenses on an apartment occupied by Weisselberg and his wife. The CFO also received perks that included $359,058 in tuition expenses at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School for two of his grandchildren. They were paid for by checks from Trump's account signed by the former President, and later from the Donald J. Trump revocable trust.

Lawyers for Weisselberg and the company, which owns hotels, golf clubs and other properties, have pleaded not guilty to tax fraud, reported BBC.

Meanwhile, there were no charges brought against Trump.

The investigation by District Attorney Cyrus Vance was mostly on whether Weisselberg and other executives of the company enjoyed benefits, including apartment rentals without reporting them properly on their tax returns.

During the hearing at Manhattan's criminal court, prosecutor Carey Dunne said that this was a "sweeping and audacious" scheme involving "off-the-books payments."

"It was orchestrated by the most senior executives who were financially benefiting themselves and the company, by getting secret pay raises at the expense of state and federal taxpayers," he said.

On Thursday, the Trump Organization said that Vance was using Weisselberg "as a pawn in a scorched earth attempt to harm the former president. This is not justice; this is politics."

However, Dunne said that the case is not about politics. "This investigation, which is ongoing, has been thorough, careful and proper, and has been limited to subject matters within our New York jurisdiction."

Trump has been denying any wrongdoing on the business or personal fronts. After the unsealing of the indictment, Trump issued a statement, criticizing the investigation. "The political Witch Hunt by the Radical Left Democrats, with New York now taking over the assignment, continues. It is dividing our country like never before!" Trump said.