In historic verdict, Donald Trump convicted in porn star hush money case

Donald Trump. Pic/AP

Donald Trump, the former US president, was found guilty of crimes related to paying hush money to a porn star who claimed to have had a sexual tryst with him in exchange for her quiet. After two days of deliberations, the jury consisting of twelve regular citizens convicted him guilty of all 34 charges in the case on Thursday.

The majority of the accusations are essentially the same: he fabricated his financial records to portray payments to porn star Stormy Daniels as legal fees for his attorney, Michael Cohen, who went on to become the prosecution's most prominent witness. As word spread about the verdict, a mob of his opponents cheered loudly outside the court. This is the first instance of a former president being prosecuted and found guilty in a criminal case.

The verdict comes in the middle of the presidential campaign and has the potential to sway it. The conviction will not disqualify from running for President and being elected, under US law. Exiting the court, a stone-faced Trump said the real verdict will be in November when the country goes to the polls. He called the trial "rigged and disgraceful" and said Judge Juan Merchan was "corrupt".

Just four days before the Republican Party Convention, which is anticipated to formally declare him the nominee for president, Merchan scheduled the sentencing for July 11. He might get a probationary period, a fine, or a term of up to four years in prison. Trump will likely appeal the decision.

(With Inputs from IANS)