By Jonathan Dienst -
NBC News
Security agencies are preparing for the possibility that former President Donald Trump will be indicted as soon as next week in New York for his lawyer's payments to prevent the porn actress Stormy Daniels from talking about an alleged relationship with the then candidate. presidential in 2016.
Law enforcement agencies are evaluating the security conditions in the perimeters of the Manhattan criminal court, drawing up plans in case Trump is accused and has to go in person to New York to answer for the criminal charges, according to five senior officials. officials familiar with the subject.
These sources said the plans are a precautionary measure because no charges have been filed against Trump.
Agencies involved include the New York Police Department, New York State Court Officers, the Secret Service, the FBI, and the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, according to the sources cited.
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Our sister network NBC News has reached out to all agencies for comment, but all have declined.
Former President Donald Trump during a campaign event in Davenport, Iowa, on March 13, 2023. Ron Johnson / AP
Michael Cohen, a former Trump attorney, pleaded guilty in 2018 to a federal charge related to a $130,000 payment to Daniels in the final days of the 2016 presidential campaign.
Daniels has said the money was to keep her quiet about her claim that they had had sex in 2006, when he, who denies it, was already married to Melania Trump.
Cohen said Trump ordered him to pay the bribe and that it was for the "primary purpose of influencing" the 2016 presidential election, avoiding the harm that would be done to him if it became known.
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The money Cohen paid Daniels was reimbursed in payments that the Trump company described as "legal fees."
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is investigating Trump on felony falsification of business records.
Cohen testified before the grand jury Wednesday as they heard for the second time about the evidence in the case.