He faces accusations of being part of a “Build the Wall” group that raised millions with promises to build a wall along the US-Mexico border, but allegedly pocketed some of those donations. The charges are two counts of money laundering in the second degree, one count of conspiracy in the fourth degree, scheme to defraud in the first degree and conspiracy in the fifth degree. Bannon was brought into the courtroom in handcuffs, but was smiling when he entered. Bannon pleaded not guilty to all charges and his lawyer spoke on his behalf. Judge Juan Mercan, who is presiding over the case, also ruled on the fraud and tax evasion case against Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weiselberg. As a condition of his release, Bannon must surrender his passport. A prosecutor said “Bannon has the means to leave the country and has a history” of breaking the law, a reference to the contempt of Congress conviction. Bannon was found guilty in July of refusing to comply with a subpoena to appear before a House committee investigating the January 6 attack on the US Capitol. He could face up to two years in prison when he is sentenced next month. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said of Bannon at a press conference earlier Thursday, “The simple truth is that it is a crime to profit off donors.” James, at the same press conference that Bannon had used his connections to “deceive everyday Americans.” “Steve Bannon stands out as a perfect example of this blatant inequality,” James said, adding that his donors were cheated out of $15 million. In a statement earlier Thursday, James said: “There can’t be one set of rules for everyday people and another for the rich and powerful – we all have to play by the same rules and obey the law.” “Mr. Bannon exploited the political views of his donors to secure millions of dollars which he then embezzled. including white collar criminals, because no one is above the law. I thank Attorney Bragg for his close cooperation on this matter and I commend the dedicated teams in the Attorney General’s Office and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for their hard work.” Bannon issued his own statement in anticipation of his indictment on Monday. “Just days after being chased three separate times by deranged New York City thugs inspired by the Biden administration to kill me by the police, the Soros-backed DA has now decided to bring false charges against me 60 days before the midterm elections because WarRoom is the primary source of the MAGA grassroots movement,” Bannon said in the statement. After leaving court Thursday, Bannon yelled at reporters, “It’s all bullshit. I’m never going to be locked up.” And he claimed he was targeted for his support of former President Donald Trump. Bannon had faced similar charges in federal court in 2020, but was pardoned by then-President Trump in the final days of his term. This is a developing story.
