Secret Service and NY Jail Officials Meet About Trump
Members of the U.S. Secret Service have met with correctional officials in New York to discuss the logistics of a possible prison sentence for former President Donald Trump, according to a report.
The unprecedented prosecution of a former president—the first in U.S. history—could potentially lead to the presumptive 2024 Republican nominee being jailed.
CBS News, citing a source described only as a “New York corrections source,” reported that discussions are underway about what imprisonment might entail if Trump is convicted of business crimes in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s “hush money” case.
As a former president, Trump is guaranteed a private Secret Service detail for life, which means he would retain that security even if incarcerated.
This scenario is without precedent, prompting discussions on how a conviction and subsequent imprisonment would be managed.
CBS News reported on Tuesday: “[Prison is] a possibility that officials in state and federal agencies have begun preparing for, according to a New York corrections source, who said the Secret Service has met with local jail officials.
“As a former president, Trump is entitled to Secret Service protection for the rest of his life, wherever he happens to be. Behind bars, corrections officers would in turn be responsible for protecting those agents assigned to Trump.”
Should Judge Juan Merchan sentence Trump to prison, the corrections official mentioned to CBS News that the sentence could be served at New York City’s Rikers Island Jail Complex.
This prison has had its share of notable inmates, though none have entered custody accompanied by private security around the clock.
Former Manhattan prosecutor Duncan Levin emphasized to CBS News the importance of having a plan before the case concludes in the event of a prison sentence.
“He could be remanded on the spot,” Levin said, noting that in New York state courts, judges like Merchan have the discretion to issue a sentence immediately after a jury verdict or to schedule a later hearing.
The outlet also noted that Merchan had previously indicated he would only consider a prison sentence as a “last resort” if Trump is convicted, suggesting that home confinement and probation might be options if Trump is found guilty.
Trump faces 34 counts of allegedly falsifying business records, following claims by his former lawyer Michael Cohen that he paid former adult film actress Stormy Daniels to stay quiet about an alleged affair with Trump nearly two decades ago.
Cohen stated that Trump reimbursed him, but his credibility was questioned during his testimony last week.
Cohen admitted to stealing tens of thousands of dollars from The Trump Organization while serving as Trump’s personal attorney years ago.
Closing arguments in the case wrapped up on Tuesday.
Throughout the case, Merchan has imposed significant fines on Trump for discussing it on social media and other platforms while under a gag order.
Trump has denied the charges, characterizing the case as political persecution and election interference.