NRA corruption trial is underway in New York. Here’s what to know

New York State Attorney General Letitia James’ long-running lawsuit against the National Rifle Association (NRA) and three of its current or former executives is headed to trial on Monday in what is expected to be a tense six-to-eight-week battle.

It’s been nearly three and a half years since Ms James filed a complaint against the gun advocacy group, seeking to hold it and its leaders responsible for alleged financial improprieties.

The case has changed since its initial filing, including the relief sought and some of the current defendants, but Ms James remains adamant in holding accountable those responsible for allegedly misusing charitable assets, manipulating internal controls, and misreporting information in annual reports – among other allegations.

The trial beginning Monday afternoon is seeking to hold the NRA and its former CEO Wayne LaPierre, general counsel John Frazer and former CFO Wilson Phillips responsible for alleged financial improprieties.

The original complaint also named former chief of staff, Josh Powell, but Ms James and Mr Powell reached a settlement agreement last week.

The attorney general is seeking to implement an independent monitor to oversee the organisation’s governance as well as impose financial penalties against the defendants. The attorney general also sought to remove Mr LaPierre from his three-decade-long reign as the NRA’s CEO and executive vice president. However, Mr LaPierre resigned from his position as chief on Friday, citing health reasons.

Ahead of Monday’s trial, here’s everything to know.

The NRA executives are accused of improperly using charitable finances to benefit themselves or others.

Ms James alleges that, for years, Mr LaPierre “routinely abused his authority” so the