FORMER President of the United States, Donald Trump, has been indicted by a grand jury seated in Manhattan, New York, over the payment of hush money to an adult movie star in 2016.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office has been investigating Trump for his alleged role in a payout and cover up scheme involving porn star, Stormy Daniels.
Trump allegedly paid the actress a sum of $130,000 in days leading up to the 2016 presidential election, which he eventually won, NBC News reports.
Sources familiar with the matter said a grand jury in Manhattan voted to indict the former President on Thursday. The indictment was however filed under seal and was yet to be officially announced.
In a statement to NBC News, Trump’s former attorney, Micheal Cohen, who is also involved in the case, confirmed the news and noted that the indictment was the first of its kind in America’s history.
“For the first time in our Country’s history, a President (current or former) of the United States has been indicted,” he said. “I take no pride in issuing this statement and wish to also remind everyone of the presumption of innocence; as provided by the due process clause.”
“However, I do take solace in validating the adage that no one is above the law; not even a former President. Today’s indictment is not the end of this chapter; but rather, just the beginning.
“Now that the charges have been filed, it is better for the case to let the indictment speak for itself. The two things I wish to say at this time is that accountability matters and I stand by my testimony and the evidence I have provided to the Manhattan District Attorney.”
Rumours of the possible indictment had broken out last week, leading to Trump calling on his supporters to protest against the indictment on his behalf.
