Judge questions Michael Cohen about potential perjury regarding Trump hush money
Federal Judge Denies Michael Cohen’s Request for Early Release
A federal judge on Wednesday declined to shorten Michael Cohen’s post-prison monitoring for tax evasion, grilling the disbarred attorney for “perjury” in anticipation of his testimony in the criminal hush money trial involving former President Donald Trump.
Cohen’s Credibility Challenged in Court
Judge Jesse M. Furman of Manhattan raised doubts about Cohen’s truthfulness, citing his contradictory statements regarding tax evasion. Despite pleading guilty to tax evasion, Cohen claimed innocence during a civil trial last year. This inconsistency led Furman to question the veracity of Cohen’s past and current testimonies.
Furman’s ruling means Cohen remains under supervised release until November, subject to strict monitoring by a federal probation officer to ensure compliance with the court’s terms.
- Cohen’s supervised release extended until November
- Probation officer to monitor his activities
- Judge’s decision impacts Trump’s legal defense
Implications for Trump’s Legal Strategy
Trump’s legal team could leverage Furman’s decision in the upcoming hush money trial to challenge Cohen’s credibility as a key witness. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is counting on Cohen’s testimony to shed light on Trump’s alleged involvement in hush money payments to Stormy Daniels.
In light of Cohen’s troubled past and ongoing legal battles, doubts persist about his reliability as a witness in the high-profile trial.
Jonathan Turley, a law professor, criticized the reliance on Cohen’s testimony, suggesting it weakens the prosecution’s case. Despite prosecutors often using convicted felons as witnesses, Cohen’s history of perjury accusations raises significant concerns about his credibility.
Further Legal Developments
Judge Juan Merchan’s recent ruling allowing Cohen and Daniels to testify in the hush money trial, despite objections from Trump, sets the stage for a contentious legal battle ahead.
The trial’s delay, triggered by new documents released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, underscores the complex legal landscape surrounding Trump’s impending criminal trials.
As the legal drama unfolds, the role of key witnesses like Cohen and the validity of their testimonies will continue to shape the outcome of these high-stakes trials.
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