Joshua Powell, ex-operations director of the National Rifle Association (NRA), has reached a settlement regarding accusations of fraud and abuse filed by the New York Attorney General's office.
This development occurred shortly after NRA's Executive Vice President, Wayne LaPierre, announced his intention to step down, citing health issues. His resignation is set to take effect on January 31, just ahead of a trial scheduled for Monday.
Powell, who worked at the NRA from 2016 to January 2020, was accused in the settlement of misusing his position to divert the NRA's charitable funds for personal and familial gain. New York Attorney General Letitia James commented on these events, stating, "The admissions of misconduct by Joshua Powell and the resignation of Wayne LaPierre affirm our longstanding claims of fiscal mismanagement within the NRA."
James' ongoing lawsuit against the NRA, a New York-registered nonprofit, alleges the misappropriation of millions of dollars for private jets, vacations, and luxury items by its top executives.
The NRA's attempt to declare bankruptcy in 2021 was dismissed by a federal judge for lack of good faith. The lawsuit seeks the appointment of an independent monitor to supervise the NRA's financial activities.
Under the terms of his settlement, Powell acknowledged his failure in fulfilling his fiduciary responsibilities and mismanaging the NRA's charitable assets for personal and family benefits. He consented to pay $100,000 in restitution and is permanently prohibited from holding an officer position in any nonprofit organization. Additionally, Powell has agreed to provide testimony against LaPierre and others during the trial.
LaPierre previously criticized the lawsuit by the New York AG as a targeted and unconstitutional effort to dismantle the NRA, which he described as a staunch advocate for American freedoms in the electoral process.
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