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Witnesses walked prosecutors step by step through the payments to Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen from the Trump Organization on Monday as the prosecution laid out its paper trail in the hush money case against Donald Trump.
Two longtime employees of the Trump Organization were called to the stand to testify in the case: Jeff McConney, a former controller who retired last year as well as Deborah Tarasoff who works in accounting and issued checks.
During McConney's testimony, the jury was shown a series of documents including invoices, checks, spreadsheets and handwritten notes as the witness walked through how Cohen was 'reimbursed' for the alleged hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.
In total, McConney testified that Cohen was paid $420,000 including money from Trump's revocable trust and then from his personal account.
McConney recalled a conversation he had with Allen Weisselberg, who was chief financial officer of the Trump Organization about owing Cohen money.
Included in the evidence submitted was the handwritten 'chicken scratch' note McConney had taken on a Trump Organization notepad during that conversation with Weisselberg about the payments
McConney's notes include bonus of $50,000 plus $180,000 'x2 for taxes.' It shows a total of $420,000 being divided into $35,000 payments
Donald Trump speaking to reporters in the Manhattan criminal court after testimony wrapped for the day on May 6
Included in the evidence submitted was the handwritten 'chicken scratch' note McConney had taken on a Trump Organization notepad during that conversation with Weisselberg about the payments.
McConney's notes include bonus of $50,000 plus $180,000 'x2 for taxes.' It shows a total of $420,000 being divided into $35,000 payments. He also jotted down 'wire monthly from DJT.'
Through some tedious testimony, McConney walked through a series of invoices Cohen had to submit for each month of 2017 to get paid, telling the jury if Cohen wanted to get paid, 'he needed to send us an invoice.'
Though Cohen's invoices did not specify an exact number, McConney testified that it was understood to be $35,000 a month which was wired monthly starting in February 2017.
The former controller confirmed in his note that the money was to be sent from the former president's personal account.
A bank statement including Weisselberg's own handwriting was also submitted into evidence on Monday. It showed the calculated amount along with the bonus divided by 12 months.
The total amount written on the document by Weisselberg was $420,000, the amount prosecutors claim Cohen was paid to cover the hush money payment.
A spreadsheet also detailed how the first three payments to Cohen were paid from the revocable trust for $105,000.
The final nine payments were paid by Trump's personal account and totaled $315,000, according to the report. The payments were described as 'legal expenses.'
Jeff McConney worked as a controller for the Trump Organization until his retirement last year. He testified Monday in the Trump hush money case about payments made to Michael Cohen
A sketch of McConney being questioned by prosecutor Matthew Colangelo on may 6 as Trump looks on in the Manhattan criminal court
While he was being cross-examined, McConney confirmed to Trump defense attorney Emil Bove he did not know if Cohen was doing legal work as a personal attorney for Trump.
His testimony lasted about three hours. When he finished, Trump was observed pumping his hand in the air while the jury was still in the courtroom.
In the afternoon, Tarasoff was also called to the stand. She has worked for the Trump Organization for about 24 years.
During her testimony, she walked the jury through how invoices were approved and checks were cut.
A sketch of Deborah Tarasoff testifying in the Trump hush money trial. She has worked in the Trump Organization accounting department for 24 years
Tarasoff being questioned by prosecutor Chris Conroy in the Manhattan criminal court on May 6, 2024 where she walked the jury through how invoices were approved and checks were paid
Tarasoff confirmed checks to Cohen were sent down to Washington, D.C., for Trump's signature while he was serving as president in the White House.
For the first time at trial, the jury was shown a series of checks to Cohen with Trump's signature on them.
In one moment of levity, Tarasoff confirmed Trump's signature because he was known for signing using a black Sharpie.
Only Trump could sign the checks from the DJT account she confirmed.
Tarasoff also testified that invoices for more than $10,000 had to be approved by Trump or one of his sons after 2015.
For the first time at trial, the jury was shown a series of checks to Cohen with Trump's signature on them
The week started off with Trump being found in contempt of court for a tenth time and fined another $1,000.
Judge Juan Merchan warned that the ex-president could face jail time if he continues to violate the gag order that prevents him from speaking about witnesses in the case.
Prosecutors wrapped up the day by telling Judge Merchan they could rest their case in just over two weeks.
Likely key witnesses including Cohen, Daniels and former playmate Karen McDougal have not yet testified in the case.
