A jury in New York found former US gun lobbyist Wayne LaPierre and other executives of the influential NRA gun group guilty of financial misconduct and corruption. Several US media outlets unanimously reported this today (local time).
After a week of deliberations, the jury concluded that former NRA President LaPierre used association funds for vacations, luxury flights for his relatives and yacht trips.
Five million euros wasted
The jury concluded that LaPierre wasted approximately 5.4 million dollars (almost five million euros) from the NRA. According to the information, he has already returned part of the money. The rest should follow.
The jury also concluded that the group's former treasurer and the head of the legal department failed to fulfill their duties towards the non-profit organization. The NRA itself was also indicted and convicted of ignoring whistleblower complaints and submitting false documents to the State.
NRA led since 1991
The NRA has nonprofit status in the U.S. and is therefore subject to special requirements for its use of donations, charities, and accounting. It is considered an extremely conservative organization with great political influence. LaPierre, 74, had led the NRA since 1991 but announced shortly before the trial began in New York in January that he would resign from his position for health reasons.