Steve Bannon surrenders to face New York State charges of alleged donor fraud

Steve Bannon, a former adviser to Donald Trump, surrendered to New York state on Thursday on charges of money laundering and conspiracy.

The unsealed indictment alleges that Bannon orchestrated the fraud through the nonprofit organization We Build The Wall Inc., which raised funds to build a wall along the US-Mexico border.

Bannon had previously been indicted in a federal case for nonprofit activities, but was pardoned by Trump before leaving office.

Bannon told reporters from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office that the allegations were politically motivated, as the midterm elections approached, according to AP. Previously he had called the allegations “false”.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and State Attorney General Letitia James plan to hold a press conference at 1pm ET.

Entering the courtroom, Bannon shouted to the handcuffed reporters: “This is what is happening in the last days of a dying regime. I will never be silenced. They’ll have to kill me first. I haven’t started fighting yet. “

The prosecution alleges that Bannon and the nonprofit organization defrauded donors of over $ 15 million and then laundered the proceeds to cover the fraud. Bannon and We Will Build The Wall were charged with second degree money laundering, two fourth degree conspiracy counts, one first degree conspiracy count to defraud, and one fifth degree conspiracy count.

James stated in a statement: “Mr. Bannon took advantage of his donors’ political views to secure millions of dollars, which he later appropriated. Mr. Bannon defrauded his donors to enrich himself and his friends. “

Prosecutors say Bannon and others said none of the money raised was used to pay We Build The Wall president’s salary, which was over $ 250,000 in 2019, but that the foundation covered the payments by hijacking the money. . Through third-party entities, including non-profit organizations controlled by Bannon.