New York judge postpones Trump 'hush money' sentencing

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - A New York state Supreme Court judge postponed on Friday President-elect Donald Trump's sentencing after he was criminally convicted earlier this year of falsifying business records to cover up a "hush money" payment to an adult film star.

Justice Juan Merchan's decision marks the third time Trump's sentencing has been delayed, according to multiple reports. Prosecutors on Tuesday said they would not oppose a postponement in order to allow Trump's lawyers time to develop any legal arguments for the case's dismissal, but vowed to fight any effort to throw out the case.

They acknowledged in a filing that they are now in an unprecedented moment.

"The People deeply respect the Office of the President, are mindful of the demands and obligations of the presidency, and acknowledge that Defendant’s inauguration will raise unprecedented legal questions. We also deeply respect the fundamental role of the jury in our constitutional system," they wrote, according to NBC News.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office said it is open to delaying sentencing until after Trump completes his second term in office, but the incoming president's attorneys said that is too long for their client to wait.

Merchan granted Trump's attorneys a Dec. 2 deadline to file a motion for the case's dismissal, and gave prosecutors until Dec. 9 to respond, according to NBC.

Trump was found guilty by a Manhattan grand jury in May of all 34 counts against him, which are related to a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels with the intent of influencing the outcome of the 2016 presidential election.

Trump is to be sworn in for his second term in office on Jan. 20, 2025 after handily defeating Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in this year's presidential contest.