The second phase of Civil trial against The National Rifle Association and its top officials are set to begin a meeting Monday in Manhattan, where New York Attorney General Letitia James is seeking to appoint an independent monitor to oversee the powerful gun rights group.
Democrats also seek to ban Wayne Lapierrethe organization’s former CEO, from holding leadership positions or raising funds on behalf of charitable organizations operating in New York.
Judge Joel Cohen will also decide whether former general counsel John Frazier should be barred from working for charitable organizations in the state.
During the first phase of the trial earlier this year, a jury in February found that LaPierre had misused millions of dollars in NRA money to fund expensive lifestyle Which included exotic trips, flights on private jets and luxury yachts.
Jurors also found that the NRA failed to properly manage its assets, omitted or misrepresented information in its tax filings, and violated whistleblower protections under New York law.
The upcoming proceedings in Manhattan state court are a jury trial, meaning there is no jury, and a judge will issue a verdict.
The National Rifle Association, through its attorneys, called the court’s request for a monitor to oversee the management of the organization’s charitable assets “unjustified.”
William Brewer, an attorney for the NRA, said Friday that the organization was the victim in the case and has since taken a “course correction” to ensure it is in full compliance with state laws for nonprofits.
“The focal point of ‘Phase Two’ is the burden on the New York Attorney General to prove that any violation of any law is ‘ongoing’ and ongoing in the NRA,” he said in an email. “This is a burden that the New York Attorney General cannot meet.”
James’s spokespeople declined to comment, as did LaPierre’s attorney, who said his client was not required to appear in person but would be on Monday. An email was also sent to Frazier’s attorney.
James’ trial is expected to last about two weeks, with both sides set to begin presenting witness testimony Monday, according to James’ office. Charles Cotton, the former president of the National Rifle Association, is expected to testify first.
According to James’ office, Bob Barr, the organization’s president and former congressman, and Douglas Hamlin, CEO of the National Rifle Association, are among the current employees and board members also listed as potential witnesses.
The trial has shed light on the leadership, organizational culture and financial resources of the lobbying group, which was founded more than 150 years ago in New York City to promote gun skills and has grown into a political juggernaut that has influenced federal law and presidential elections.
A jury ordered LaPierre to pay nearly $4.4 million to the organization he led for three decades, while the retired finance chief of the National Rifle Association, Wilson “Woody” Phillipsordered to pay $2 million.
Last week, James’ office announced details of the settlement he reached with Phillips.
Under the agreement, he agreed to be barred for 10 years from serving as a trustee of a nonprofit organization in New York. He also agreed to attend training before returning to any such position.
The deal means Phillips, now retired, will not have to participate in the proceedings that begin Monday, but he is still required to pay $2 million in damages from the initial judgment.
