“Scheinkman, who now teaches legal ethics at Pace University Law School” Investigation Launched into Judge Who Ordered Donald Trump to Pay Hundreds of Millions in Fraud Case
(msnbc)
The New York judge who ordered Donald Trump to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in a civil fraud case is now under investigation, according to recent reports. Justice Arthur Engoron’s decisions have come under scrutiny after a local attorney revealed he had a conversation with the judge about issues related to Trump’s legal matters.
A prominent New York real estate attorney, Adam Leitman Bailey, claimed during an interview with NBC New York that he approached Justice Engoron to offer unsolicited advice regarding a law relevant to Trump’s case. Bailey, whose law license was previously suspended, stated he spoke to Engoron three weeks before the judge fined Trump $454 million for falsely inflating the value of his assets.
The report indicated that Bailey “explained to [Engoron]” that the fraud statute in question was not meant to shut down a significant company, especially in a case without clear victims. He also argued that such a ruling could negatively impact New York’s economy. Despite these arguments, Justice Engoron ultimately rejected similar points raised by Trump’s legal team in court.
Bailey, who emphasized that he is not a Trump supporter and was not involved in the civil case or any of Trump’s four separate criminal cases, claimed to know the judge well from appearing before him “hundreds of times.” He highlighted his experience in litigating cases before Justice Engoron, which he suggested gave him the insight to offer advice.
Responding to Bailey’s comments, the judge, through a court spokesperson, firmly denied any impropriety and insisted that he remained “wholly uninfluenced” by Bailey’s unsolicited advice. However, New York’s judicial oversight body has since launched an investigation into the alleged interaction, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Retired Presiding New York Appellate Justice Alan Scheinkman expressed concerns about Bailey’s account. He remarked, “The interaction described by Bailey is very troubling,” and added, “The fact that this lawyer made these statements — unprompted — during a recorded TV interview should raise serious concerns.”
Scheinkman, now a legal ethics professor at Pace University Law School, emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the judicial process. His skepticism towards Bailey’s claims underscores the need for a thorough investigation into the interaction between the attorney and the judge.
Justice Engoron’s ruling in the civil fraud case has significant implications for Trump and his business operations. The hefty $454 million fine followed Engoron’s determination that Trump and his company had intentionally exaggerated the value of their assets to obtain favorable loan terms and insurance benefits. The ruling not only imposes a substantial financial penalty but also jeopardizes Trump’s ability to conduct business in New York.
The investigation into the alleged conversation between Bailey and Justice Engoron adds another layer of complexity to Trump’s legal challenges. With four separate criminal cases already underway, including the hush money case involving adult film star Stormy Daniels and the classified documents case in Florida, Trump now faces mounting scrutiny over his business practices and personal conduct.
Bailey’s comments, coupled with Justice Scheinkman’s concerns, have reignited discussions around judicial impartiality and the influence of external parties on the legal process. The outcome of the investigation could have significant consequences for Justice Engoron’s career and Trump’s ongoing legal battles. As the judicial oversight body continues its inquiry, the spotlight remains firmly on the high-profile fraud case that has already left an indelible mark on Trump’s legacy.
