Steve Bannon, who previously served as President Trump’s chief strategist in the White House, confessed on Tuesday to deceiving New Yorkers who contributed to his “We Build the Wall” crowdfunding campaign. However, under the terms of his plea agreement, he will avoid prison time.
Dressed in his trademark brown jacket, Bannon appeared before Manhattan Supreme Court Judge April Newbauer and admitted guilt to a charge of scheming to defraud.
“Do you now plead guilty to count 5, scheme to defraud,” a court clerk asked, prompting Bannon’s reply, “Yes.”
As part of the agreement, Bannon was given a three-year conditional discharge, which spares him from incarceration. Additionally, he will not be obligated to pay any restitution.
Bannon was originally scheduled to face trial on March 4, but he reached a settlement with Manhattan prosecutors beforehand.
This marks Bannon’s second felony conviction. In 2022, he was convicted for contempt of Congress and spent four months in a federal prison before being released in November.
Outside the courthouse, Bannon’s attorney, Arthur Aidala, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that both he and his client were pleased with the deal.
{Matzav.com}
