US Secret Service prepares for possibility of Donald Trump behind bars, meets New York jail officials as hush money trial nears end

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The US Secret Service has reportedly met with jail officials in New York to discuss preparations in case former President Donald Trump has to be taken in custody and imprisoned following the verdict of his criminal hush money trial, according to CBS News.

Trump is facing 34 felony charges of falsifying business records, each of which carries a sentence of up to four years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The presumptive GOP nominee has pleaded not guilty to all.

The ongoing case at the Manhattan Criminal Court will soon be brought to its conclusion, as closing arguments began on Tuesday, May 28. Jury deliberations are expected to follow.

What will happen if Donald Trump is found guilty?

Former Manhattan prosecutor Duncan Levin shared that judges have broad authority to determine when sentences are handed down after convictions and what they would be in New York state court, unlike having a typical waiting period between a conviction and sentencing as in federal courts.

"It's much more informally done in state court. I've had cases where the jury comes back and says, 'guilty,' and the judge thanks the jury, and excuses them, and says, 'Let's sentence the defendant right now.' Obviously, everything's a little different about this case than the typical case," he stated.

In case Trump is found guilty, it would fall on Judge Juan Merchan to determine his punishment, which could include house arrest and probation, rather than imprisonment.

Merchan has repeatedly voiced his concern during the trial against sending Trump to prison, stating, "You are the former president of the United States and possibly the next president, as well," and "The last thing I want to do is to put you in jail."

While he called incarceration "truly a last resort for me," he also cautioned that it was not out of the question, telling Trump, "I want you to understand that I will, if necessary and appropriate."

Why did US Secret Service meet NY jail officials for Donald Trump?

As a former President of the United States, Trump is entitled to Secret Service protection for the rest of his life irrespective of where he is.

A New York corrections source revealed to CBS News that state and federal agency officials have begun preparing for the possibility of Trump being behind bars, and to that end, the Secret Service was in touch with local jail officials.

If Trump goes to prison, corrections officers would in turn be responsible for protecting those agents assigned to Trump.

Internet warns imprisoning Donald Trump may help him win 2024 election

"Putting him in jail will win him every state, in a landslide. win/win," a user wrote on X, responding to the news.

"Democrats will secure Donald Trump’s presidency if this happens. Bet on it," stated another.

"Single greatest political mistake that could ever be made by Biden to allow this. This will get him elected. Bring it on," echoed a third.

"This is so insane... What is next in this Banana Republic?!" commented a fourth user.

"If he wins from jail, next year is gonna be fun," another said.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.