Donald Trump and three of his children are being sued by New York attorney general Letitia James for making fraudulent claims about the value of several Trump Organization properties. The lawsuit seeks $250 million, a value which James believes Trump obtained through fraud.

James  stated that the lawsuit would bar Trump and his children from directing the company in New York, as well as block them from buying commercial real estate for five years. James also wants to place an independent monitor within the company to oversee evaluations.

In a news conference on Wednesday, James cited Trump’s evaluation of his Seven Springs estate, which he claimed was worth $291 million. This number was “fiction” according to James, who emphasized that these numbers were made-up to obtain favorable loans and tax benefits.

James emphasized Trump’s extensive property in New York – including three commercial properties, 14 residential properties, and two golf courses. She noted that Trump could move his business to another state to avoid charges, but this move would likely be detrimental to estates he already owns in New York. 

Trump responded to James’s lawsuit by calling it a “Witch Hunt,” questioning James’s integrity by calling her a “fraud” who “campaigned on a ‘Get Trump’ platform.” Trump refused to answer any further questions when probed by authorities, citing his protection under the fifth amendment.

Should the allegations be proven, the Trump Organization would not face criminal charges – the case brought forward by James is a civil case, not a criminal one. If found guilty, this means Trump and his family would pay the full sum and be forced to leave the board of directors. Although James is moving to bring the case to court within the next month, Trump will likely delay the investigation as much as possible.

Allen Weisselberg, the chief financial officer of the Trump Organization, pleaded guilty to tax fraud by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office over a year before James brought forward the lawsuit. Weisselberg is expected to testify in the upcoming investigation after spending five months in jail.

James concluded her press conference by saying that Trump’s company is “rooted in incredible fraud and illegality.” She added that in regards to the lawsuit, “we must hold former presidents to the same standards of everyday Americans” and that “no one is above [the law].” The trial is currently scheduled for Oct. 24, but is subject to change.