Former White House strategist Steve Bannon faces a significant schedule change in his high-profile criminal proceedings in New York.
According to NBC News, Judge April Newbauer has postponed Bannon's trial from December 9 to February 25, following prosecutors' request to introduce additional financial evidence related to alleged donor fraud.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office has brought multiple charges against Bannon, including money laundering and conspiracy, stemming from his involvement with WeBuildTheWall Inc. The prosecution alleges that donors were deceived into believing their contributions would exclusively fund border wall construction, while some funds were allegedly diverted for personal enrichment.
During Monday's hearing, which Bannon attended virtually, Judge Newbauer made it clear that this would be the final schedule adjustment. The judge granted prosecutors' motion to include new financial evidence they claim demonstrates Bannon's motives in the alleged scheme.
The case has drawn significant attention due to Bannon's role as chair of WeBuildTheWall Inc.'s advisory group. Prosecutors maintain that thousands of donors were misled about the allocation of their contributions, with funds allegedly being used to benefit Bannon and the organization's founder, Brian Kolfage.
Three other members associated with the organization, including Kolfage, have already been convicted on charges related to the fraudulent scheme. These convictions add weight to the prosecution's case against Bannon, who faces up to 15 years in prison if found guilty.
The current state-level prosecution follows a related federal case from August 2020. Bannon's federal charges were ultimately resolved through a presidential pardon from Donald Trump, though this pardon holds no influence over the current state proceedings.
Bannon's legal team has consistently argued that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, has targeted their client for political reasons. They point to Bragg's successful prosecution of Trump in an unrelated case as evidence of political motivation.
The former presidential adviser recently completed a four-month prison sentence for defying subpoenas from the House January 6 committee. This separate conviction related to his refusal to provide testimony and documents concerning the 2021 Capitol attack.
The indictment, filed in September 2022, outlines a sophisticated plan involving misleading donors and misusing funds. Prosecutors based their case on the organization's commitments to donors and the handling of financial transactions.
During the hearing, Judge Newbauer firmly stated that no further changes would be made to the proceedings. The prosecution's new evidence is expected to strengthen their argument about Bannon's alleged role in the scheme. The delay provides both sides additional time to prepare their cases and review the newly admitted financial documentation.
Steve Bannon, former White House adviser and host of "Bannon's War Room" podcast, faces trial in Manhattan criminal court over allegations of defrauding donors through the WeBuildTheWall Inc. organization. The trial's postponement to February 25 comes after prosecutors successfully argued for the inclusion of additional financial evidence.
The case represents a significant legal challenge for Bannon, who could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted on charges of money laundering, conspiracy, and scheming to defraud. While he maintains his innocence and claims political persecution, the convictions of three other organization members, including founder Brian Kolfage, set a precedent for the prosecution's case against him.
