The Latest: Source: AG looks to open Cohen tax law probe

ALBANY, N.Y. – The Latest on Michael Cohen investigation (all times local):

11:10 p.m.

A person familiar with the matter says New York’s attorney general is looking to open a criminal investigation into whether Michael Cohen also violated state tax law.

The person told The Associated Press Thursday that Attorney General Barbara Underwood recently requested a criminal referral from the state tax department to investigate and potentially file charges against Cohen, the former personal attorney for Donald Trump.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to speak publicly.

A lawyer for Cohen declined to comment on the development.

Cohen owes at least $1.4 million to the IRS after pleading guilty Tuesday to evading federal taxes. It’s unclear if he also misstated his income on state returns.

The attorney general must get a referral to opening a criminal probe. Such requests are almost always granted.

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10:40 a.m.

Michael Cohen personally called tax officials in New York the same day he received a subpoena from state investigators looking into the Trump Foundation.

A state official confirmed the call from the former personal attorney and “fixer” for President Donald Trump, but would not divulge the details of the exchange, which came Wednesday shortly after Cohen received the subpoena. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to discuss the case publicly

The Associated Press first reported the existence of the subpoena on Wednesday. It was issued as part of the state’s ongoing investigation into Trump and the Trump Foundation.

State Attorney General Barbara Underwood and tax officials are examining whether Donald Trump or his charity broke state law or misstated tax liabilities.