A New York judge has issued a ten-year ban on Wayne LaPierre, the former leader of the National Rifle Association (NRA), from serving in a paid position with the gun rights group. Judge Joel Cohen’s ruling follows a Manhattan jury verdict in February, which found LaPierre guilty of misappropriating millions of dollars of the NRA’s funds for lavish trips and personal expenses.
Judge Cohen’s decision bars LaPierre, who served as the executive vice president of the NRA, from being employed by any New York non-profit organization as a fiduciary for the next decade. This move aims to prevent LaPierre from engaging in similar misconduct in the future.
The ruling is part of ongoing legal battles involving the NRA and its financial practices. Despite the verdict, Judge Cohen decided against appointing an independent monitor to oversee the NRA, a measure that had been requested by New York State Attorney General Letitia James. Cohen deemed the appointment of a monitor as “time-consuming and disruptive.”
Attorney General James has been a vocal critic of the NRA’s financial management and has pursued legal action to hold its leaders accountable for alleged misuse of funds. This latest ruling marks a significant development in the broader efforts to address financial improprieties within the organization.
The ban on LaPierre underscores the ongoing scrutiny of the NRA’s operations and leadership. As the organization navigates these legal challenges, the implications of Judge Cohen’s decision will likely resonate within the NRA and among its supporters and critics alike.
