The former finance executive of the National Rifle Association, Wilson “Woody” Phillips, has been prohibited from managing finances for any nonprofit organization in New York for ten years, according to the state’s attorney general. This decision comes after Phillips was found liable in a scheme to fund the extravagant lifestyle of the NRA’s longtime CEO, Wayne LaPierre, and agreed to the ban in May. Phillips is still responsible for paying $2 million in damages to the NRA for his involvement in concealing LaPierre’s lavish spending on things like luxury vacations and private plane trips.
Phillips, who is now retired, will not have to participate in the upcoming phase of the trial in the civil lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James against the NRA and former top executives. The settlement spares Phillips from further legal proceedings but requires him to undergo training before returning to any nonprofit fiduciary roles. The trial’s next phase will address remaining issues, including potential bans on former CEO LaPierre and ex-general counsel John Frazer from charitable organizations in the state.
Among the accusations against Phillips were approving payments for LaPierre’s private jet flights, facilitating payments to contractors linked to LaPierre’s acquaintances, and overseeing questionable spending by the NRA for LaPierre’s personal expenses. Attorney General Letitia James stated that the 10-year ban on Phillips should serve as a warning that her office will hold individuals accountable for financial misconduct or abusing power.
In a separate development, LaPierre resigned just before the trial, and Doug Hamlin was elected as his replacement as the NRA’s executive director. Meanwhile, Frazer was removed as general counsel but still serves as corporate secretary. Phillips retired in 2018 from his role with the NRA.
The trial, which began in January, has shed light on the internal workings and financial management of the influential gun rights organization. The attorney general is pushing for an independent monitor to oversee the NRA’s handling of charitable assets and seeking bans on certain individuals from holding leadership positions in charitable organizations operating in New York. The trial’s focus underscores the importance of ensuring nonprofits utilize donations for their intended purposes and don’t misuse funds.
The legal battle initiated by AG Letitia James against the NRA and its executives in 2020 has brought attention to the governance, culture, and finances of the powerful lobbying group, which has played a significant role in shaping federal laws and elections for over a century.