The lawsuit centered on the National Rifle Association’s extravagant spending resulted in a finding of liability against the organization and its former longtime leader on Friday.
Wayne LaPierre, who served as the NRA’s CEO for a remarkable three decades, has been found guilty by a New York jury of misusing millions of dollars from the organization’s funds on luxurious indulgences.
New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat who campaigned on investigating the NRA’s not-for-profit status, achieved a significant victory with this verdict. The NRA, which has faced financial difficulties and declining membership in recent years, has been dealt another blow. It’s worth noting that Wayne LaPierre, the long-time face of the organization, announced his resignation just before the trial began.
In the case, the jury has ruled that LaPierre is required to pay a total of $4,351,231 in restitution. It is important to note that NRA general counsel John Frazer and retired finance chief Wilson Phillips were also named as defendants in this case.
LaPierre and others would be responsible for paying any penalties, which would then be returned to the NRA. The case depicted the NRA as both a defendant that failed to implement proper internal controls to prevent misuse of funds, and as a victim of the same wrongdoing.
James is also seeking a ban on the three men from holding leadership positions at any charitable organizations operating in New York. The decision regarding this matter will be made by a judge in the upcoming phase of the state Supreme Court trial.
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