NEW YORK — A New York appellate court upheld a $4.3 million civil judgment against Wayne LaPierre for misappropriating National Rifle Association funds. A five-judge appellate panel also upheld a ten-year ban preventing LaPierre from serving as an officer or director of the NRA.
The panel determined the service restriction does not violate First Amendment rights. The panel said, "He remains a member of the National Rifle Association and is not precluded from making any public statements or involving himself in fundraising or other outreach." The panel also stated, "Neither does the monetary restitution amount constitute a fine. Instead, it serves the remedial purpose of reimbursing the National Rifle Association for the losses LaPierre caused, making it compensatory in nature."
Kent Correll, an attorney for LaPierre, stated, "We've already won the most important parts of this case." Correll added, "We intend to seek further review, and we are confident that we'll prevail fully in the end." LaPierre has repaid a minimum of $1 million to the NRA.
New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a civil lawsuit against the NRA in 2020. The lawsuit alleged that LaPierre and other executives violated state laws and internal organizational policies to financially benefit themselves. The appellate court concluded that the Attorney General demonstrated probable cause to conduct the investigation and file the lawsuit.
James said, "Wayne LaPierre and other senior National Rifle Association leaders broke the law by funneling millions of dollars in lavish perks to themselves and their families." She added, "This decision upholds the jury's verdict and is another victory in our efforts to ensure that LaPierre is held accountable for his illegal self-dealing."
A 2024 jury determined that the NRA failed to properly supervise its operations and assets between March 2014 and May 2022. The jury found that LaPierre and others diverted organizational funds for personal travel, personal expenses, and contracts for services that were not performed. LaPierre served as the chief executive officer and executive vice president of the NRA for over 30 years before resigning in 2024, citing health reasons for his departure.