Trump becomes first US president convicted of a crime

YEREVAN, MAY 31, ARMENPRESS. Donald Trumpbecame the first US president to be convicted of a crime on Thursday when a New York jury found him guilty of falsifying documents to cover up a payment to silence a porn star ahead of the 2016 election, Reuters reports.

After two days of deliberation, the 12-member jury pronounced Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts he faced.

Trump watched the jurors dispassionately as they were polled to confirm the unanimous verdict, the report adds.

Justice Juan Merchan set sentencing for July 11, just days before the Republican Party is scheduled to formally nominate Trump for president ahead of theNovember 5 election.

Trump's former fixerMichael Cohentestified thatTrump approved a $130,000 hush money payment to Stormy Daniels in the final weeks of the 2016 election, when Trump faced multiple accusations of sexual misbehavior.

The crime of falsifying business documents carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison, though, according to Reuters, those convicted often receive shorter sentences, fines or probation. Incarceration would not legally prevent Trump from campaigning, or taking office if he were to win.

He will not be jailed ahead of sentencing.

Trump, 77, has denied wrongdoing and an attorney representing him said they would appeal as quickly as possible.

"The real verdict is going to be Nov. 5 by the people," Trump told reporters.