Former federal prosecutor Francey Hakes has raised concerns about the potential risks of calling Michael Cohen to the witness stand in the criminal trial of the former president in Manhattan. Hakes emphasized that convicted felons, such as Cohen, often have limited credibility in the eyes of the jury, particularly considering the nature of their convictions.
Michael Cohen, a former attorney for Trump, is a key witness in the case, with prosecutors alleging that he collaborated closely with Trump to orchestrate hush money payments to Stormy Daniels, a former adult actress. However, Cohen's credibility has been under scrutiny due to his 2018 conviction for campaign finance violations, making false statements to Congress, and tax evasion.
Despite these concerns, Hakes argued that it was essential for the prosecution to rely on Cohen as a witness, as he possesses crucial evidence that could potentially lead to Trump's conviction. Hakes acknowledged the significant risk involved in using a convicted liar as a witness but stressed the importance of leveraging Cohen's insider knowledge of the alleged illegal activities.
The decision to call Cohen to testify underscores the complex dynamics at play in the high-profile trial, where the prosecution aims to build a strong case against the former president. While Cohen's past actions may cast doubt on his credibility, his firsthand account of the events in question could prove instrumental in securing a conviction.
As the trial unfolds, the prosecution will need to navigate the challenges posed by Cohen's controversial background while leveraging his testimony to strengthen their case. The outcome of this legal battle will hinge not only on the evidence presented but also on the jury's assessment of Cohen's reliability as a witness.
