New York Attorney General Letitia James has secured a 10-year ban on former Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre from the National Rifle Association (NRA). The court also directed the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and the NRA to propose reforms following years of mismanagement. New York State Supreme Court Judge Joel Cohen outlined potential reforms, including retaining a compliance consultant, changing the internal Audit Committee, reducing the size of the Board, and easing access for candidates to stand for Board positions.
The decision follows a jury verdict in February that found the NRA broke the law, retaliated against whistleblowers, and lied on its annual regulatory filings. The jury concluded that LaPierre caused $5.4 million in damages to the NRA and ordered him to pay $4.3 million.
Attorney General James stated, "The NRA and its senior leaders broke the law and funneled millions of dollars in cash and lavish perks to themselves, their families, and NRA insiders." She added that as a result of this case, LaPierre will be banned from the NRA for 10 years for spearheading fraud.
In addition to LaPierre's penalties:
- A jury found that senior leadership violated the law.
- Former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Treasurer Wilson “Woody” Phillips must pay $2 million in damages and accepted a 10-year ban from New York’s not-for-profit industry.
In February, Attorney General James won the first stage of the trial when a jury found that LaPierre, former General Counsel John Frazer, and Phillips violated state laws. Ahead of the second stage of the trial, OAG reached a settlement with Phillips that included his 10-year ban.
Attorney General James filed a lawsuit against the NRA in August 2020. In January 2021, the NRA filed for bankruptcy in an attempt to reorganize in Texas but was rejected by a federal bankruptcy court in May 2021. Subsequent attempts by the NRA to challenge OAG’s claims were also rejected by Judge Joel Cohen in September 2022 and affirmed by higher courts through early 2024.
On the eve of trial commencement, LaPierre announced his retirement as Executive Vice President and CEO after more than 30 years. Additionally, OAG reached a $100,000 settlement with former Executive Director Joshua Powell before trial began. At trial conclusion, all defendants were found liable for violating New York not-for-profit laws.
The litigation team was led by Assistant Attorney General Monica Connell and Chief Emily Stern with support from other attorneys and legal assistants within OAG's Charities Bureau under Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux and First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.