Steve Bannon is scheduled to go on trial in December for his alleged role in a fundraising fraud case involving the “We Build the Wall” nonprofit organization. The trial is set to begin on December 9, shortly after Bannon completes a four-month federal prison sentence for contempt of Congress charges related to the Jan. 6 investigation. Bannon, a former adviser to Donald Trump, has pleaded not guilty to charges of money laundering, scheming to defraud, and conspiracy.
The Manhattan district attorney’s office opened an investigation into Bannon’s involvement in the alleged scam after Trump pardoned him on federal charges related to the same scheme. Prosecutors claim that Bannon, along with the organization’s president Brian Kolfage, misled donors by promising that funds raised would go towards building a border wall when, in reality, the money was used for personal gain. Kolfage pleaded guilty to federal charges and was sentenced to 51 months in prison in April 2023.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated that Bannon played a key role in defrauding thousands of donors, including Manhattan residents. He emphasized that it is a crime to profit by deceiving donors, and individuals engaging in such fraudulent activities will be held accountable in New York. Bannon’s attorney expressed appreciation for the trial delay, allowing his client to contribute to his defense. The upcoming trial will shed more light on Bannon’s alleged involvement in the fundraising scheme.
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