NEW YORK – The jury in the case against the National Rifle Association and three current and former senior leaders has found them liable for violating the law.
New York Attorney General Letitia James said the jury found that Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre and former Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Wilson “Woody” Phillips were liable for financial misconduct and corruption in managing the organization.
The jury concluded that LaPierre abused his position for his personal benefit and steered lucrative contracts to friends and relatives, including spending millions of organization dollars on lavish travel, private planes, expensive clothing, and more.
LaPierre was found to have cost the NRA $5.4 million in damages and must pay $4.35 million. The jury also determined that LaPierre should be removed from the NRA based upon his violations.
The jury also found that the NRA failed to properly administer charitable funds and violated state laws that protect whistleblowers.
Phillips and the current General Counsel and Corporate Secretary John Frazer were found liable for failing to uphold their duties as nonprofit executives. Phillips was ordered to pay $2 million in damages. Frazer and the NRA were also found liable for making false statements on the NRA’s regulatory filings.
“This verdict is a major victory for the people of New York and our efforts to stop the corruption and greed at the NRA,” said Attorney General James. “For years, Wayne LaPierre used charitable dollars to fund his lavish lifestyle, spending millions on luxury travel, expensive clothes, insider contracts, and other perks for himself and his family. LaPierre and senior leaders at the NRA blatantly abused their positions and broke the law. But today, after years of rampant corruption and self-dealing, Wayne LaPierre and the NRA are finally being held accountable. We will not hesitate to pursue justice against any individual or organization that violates our laws or our trust, no matter how powerful they are.”
