Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon has pleaded guilty to defrauding donors in a fundraising campaign aimed at building a wall along the southern US border. Bannon admitted to one state felony count of a scheme to defraud in the first degree and received a three-year conditional discharge, avoiding prison time and restitution.
Prosecutors revealed that Bannon's co-defendants in a related federal case had already returned millions of dollars to victims, hence the lack of restitution in his case. Bannon acknowledged his involvement in the scheme during the court proceedings, stating, 'Yes, your honor.'
This marks Bannon's second criminal conviction, following a previous guilty verdict for contempt of Congress. He spent four months in federal prison for that offense before being released in November.
The charges against Bannon stem from an online fundraising initiative called 'We Build the Wall,' which allegedly raised over $15 million under false pretenses. Bannon and others purportedly misled donors by claiming that none of the funds would be used for personal gain.
Following the plea deal, Bannon used the opportunity to call for criminal investigations into Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and New York Attorney General Letitia James, both Democrats, accusing them of targeting former President Donald Trump.
Attorney General Bragg emphasized the importance of combating fraud in charitable giving, stating that the resolution aimed to protect New York's charities and donors. As part of his discharge terms, Bannon is prohibited from holding leadership positions in charitable organizations or nonprofits with assets in New York or accessing donor information from 'We Build the Wall.'
Bannon recently enlisted the services of a new defense attorney, Arthur Aidala, known for representing high-profile clients like Harvey Weinstein. Bannon expressed a desire for a more aggressive defense strategy, citing what he perceived as political persecution and the need to vigorously fight the charges.
