Steve Bannon’s attorney has confirmed that the former Trump White House adviser has reached a plea deal with prosecutors and will plead guilty to fraud charges related to the “We Build The Wall” organization. This group had promised to fulfill Donald Trump’s campaign pledge to build a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico.
According to a report by Law360, Bannon is expected to enter his plea in court in Manhattan on Tuesday. His lawyer, John Carman, stated that Bannon will request to avoid a jail sentence.
Last year, Bannon served four months in prison for failing to comply with a subpoena from the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack. Prosecutors had sought his testimony and records regarding his alleged involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
If Bannon had not agreed to plead guilty, he could have faced up to 15 years in prison for charges including fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering.
Prosecutors accused Bannon and three associates, including Brian Kolfage, Andrew Badolato, and Tim Shea, of deceiving investors by falsely promising to use all donated funds to build the border wall. Kolfage, who was ordered to repay $17 million to victims and sentenced to four years in prison, used the money for personal expenses, including a luxury vehicle and cosmetic surgery.
Bannon allegedly received over $1 million from the scheme and was accused of misleading investors about where their money was going. He reportedly ensured that Kolfage received a substantial salary, contradicting the promise that executive funds would not be used for personal gain.
