Washington: In a historic judgment, Donald Trump has been indicted over a $130,000 hush money scheme to shut up porn star Stormy Daniels who had claimed a tryst with him in 2006.
A New York grand jury voted on Thursday to indict the twice-impeached Republican leader, thus making Trump the first President to face criminal charges.
Whether the indictment hurts his chances of becoming President again in 2024, time will tell.
But for now, as per US law, Trump may be arrested – as he ‘predicted’ in social media on March 18 – if he doesn’t turn himself in.
Once a suspect who has been indicted is in police custody, police or other law enforcement officials process them behind closed doors, taking pictures and fingerprints.
According to his lawyer, Trump is likely to surrender to the Manhattan District Attorney’s office early next week. NBC News also quoted lawyer Joe Tacopina as saying that Trump’s team is in contact with the prosecutors and his arraignment may take place next week.
If Trump does surrender, the Secret Service will coordinate with authorities in New York while Trump’s legal team will take care of his transportation and security needs.
The specific charge or charges brought against Trump by the grand jury – comprising 23 members — have not been made public as the indictment remains under seal until it is filed in court or the defendant makes his first court appearance.
