Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg expressed gratitude towards the jury for their service following the guilty verdict of the former president of the United States. Bragg commended the jurors for their careful attention to the evidence and the law during the trial, emphasizing the importance of their role in the judicial system.
The prosecution team presented a strong case, calling 22 witnesses and presenting various forms of evidence, including call logs, text messages, emails, recordings, checks, and bank statements. Bragg highlighted the significance of white-collar prosecutions in the work of the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, which has a long history of public integrity cases.
Bragg praised the professionalism, integrity, dedication, and service of the prosecution team, acknowledging their commitment to upholding the law without fear or favor. He also thanked the NYPD and the Office of Court Administration for ensuring the security of the courthouse and the smooth continuation of proceedings.
Regarding the guilty verdict, Bragg reiterated the importance of following the facts and the law in every case, regardless of the defendant's status. He emphasized that the jury's unanimous decision was based on evidence and the law alone, reflecting the principles of the judicial system.
When asked about the possibility of a jail sentence and a stay on enforcement pending appeal, Bragg declined to address hypothetical scenarios, stating that the office would respond to arguments raised in court. He emphasized that the case was ongoing, with further phases to come.
In response to questions about the viability of the case and criticisms from various sources, Bragg reiterated his commitment to following the law and doing his job. He pointed to the history of the office and his personal experience in public integrity cases, emphasizing the significance of the jury's verdict as the most important outcome.
The guilty verdict on 34 counts of falsifying business records marks a significant development in the case, with sentencing and potential appeals to follow in the coming phases of the legal process.
