Former Trump advisor arrested for fraud over Mexican wall funds
Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon was arrested on Thursday on charges that he and three of his associates defrauded the donors of the 'We Build the Wall' fundraising campaign. The fundraiser was intended to raise money for a wall along the southern border of the United States, a campaign promise made by President Donald Trump. Here are more details.
All four were arrested this morning
Bannon (66), was arrested along with Andrew Badolato (56), Timothy Shea (49), and 38-year-old Iraq war veteran Brian Kolfage on Thursday morning. Prosecutors allege that the accused raised over $25 million through the 'We Build the Wall' online campaign, however, some of that was used for personal gain. The four were indicted by investigators for the Southern District of New York.
Accused to be presented in court later today
All four will be presented in court on Thursday. Bannon will be presented in the Southern District of New York. Kolfage will be presented before US Magistrate Judge Hope T Cannon in the Northern District of Florida, Badolato before US Magistrate Judge Thomas Wilson in the Middle District of Florida, and Shea before US Magistrate Judge Kristen L. Mix in the District of Colorado.
All 4 charged with wire fraud, money laundering
The four accused have each been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Each of these charges carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Accused received 'hundreds of thousands of dollars' in donor funds
Acting US Attorney Audrey Strauss said the defendants collectively received "hundreds of thousands of dollars in donor funds" which they used in a "manner inconsistent with the organization's public representations." Strauss said the donors had repeatedly been assured that Kolfage—the face of the fundraiser—would not benefit. The money was allegedly routed through a non-profit and a shell company under Shea's control, among other routes.
'Accused showed no regard for law or the truth'
Philip R. Bartlett—Inspector-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the United States Postal Inspection Service (which assisted in the investigation)—said, "As alleged, not only did they lie to donors, they schemed to hide their misappropriation of funds by creating sham invoices and accounts to launder donations and cover up their crimes, showing no regard for the law or the truth."
