A former chief financial officer of the National Rifle Association has agreed to a 10-year ban from serving as a fiduciary of a New York nonprofit as part of a settlement in the state attorney general’s lawsuit alleging misuse of donor funds by NRA executives, according to deal terms disclosed Tuesday.
NRA Ex-CFO 10-year NY Nonprofit Ban: Details of the Settlement
The agreement allows Wilson “Woody” Phillips to avoid a second-phase bench trial that will address nonmonetary equitable remedies, such as the possible installation of a compliance monitor for the NRA.
In February, a jury found that the NRA, Phillips, longtime CEO Wayne LaPierre, and general counsel John Frazer misused millions of donor dollars. The jury ordered LaPierre to pay $4.4 million and Phillips $2 million.
NRA senior strategist Joshua Powell settled with the state shortly before the first trial, agreeing to pay $100,000 and accepting a permanent ban on serving as an officer of New York charities.
“New Yorkers deserve to know that when they support a not-for-profit, those donations are being used to advance its mission, not squandered on lavish perks for staff or cronies,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement Tuesday.
Legal Representation and Next Steps
An attorney for Phillips did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday. According to the settlement, once the 10-year ban expires, Phillips must notify James’ office in writing and complete a fiduciary training program before serving as a fiduciary for any charitable organization.