TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL in New York City (Flickr/Bart Everson).

The chief financial officer of the Trump Organization was indicted Thursday and pleaded not guilty to charges of tax fraud, conspiracy and falsifying records.

According to United Press International, Allen Weisselberg was in a Manhattan court to answer 15 counts of alleged illegal financial practices. He was released on his own recognizance but was required to hand surrender his passport so he could not leave the country.

Today’s indictment is the culmination of a two-year investigation into the Trump Organization and the Trump Payroll Corporation by the New York attorney general. The Trump Organization is owned by former President Donald Trump.

The allegations against Weisselberg involve alleged schemes to avoid taxes for employee fringe benefits, reducing the state and federal income liability for some senior executives.

“It’s outrageous. It’s unprecedented. It’s never happened before,” said Trump attorney Ron Fischetti, according to CNN.

Newsom recall vote on Sept. 14

CALIFORNIA GOV. GAVIN NEWSOM (Matt Gush/Shutterstock).

The recall election that could remove Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom from office has been scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 14. The date was set by Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis.

Polls have suggested that Newsom would probably prevail, as California is heavily Democratic. Republicans have not won a statewide race since 2006. However, the only sitting governor recalled in state history was Democrat Gray Davis in 2003.

According to the Associated Press, Republican candidates to take Newsom’s place include Kevin Faulconer, former mayor of San Diego, businessman John Cox and former Olympic athlete Caitlyn Jenner.