On September 6, 2022, Steve Bannon was formally indicted by the state of New York. This recent indictment comes just months after getting officially convicted in July on charges of contempt related to the Jan. 6 insurrection investigation. He is expected to turn himself over into police custody on September 8th.
The charges against Bannon are related to an earlier case where federal officials attempted to convict him of defrauding donors who provided money to build a US border wall. According to officials, Bannon was never formally convicted in the former case because it ended abruptly when former President Trump decided to pardon Bannon before the trial even started.
The investigation into the ordeal, however, never stopped. Federal agents believe that Bannon personally pocketed over $1 million in profits that should’ve gone towards building the border wall.
Bannon wasn’t the only individual that federal agents believe profited off of the “We Build the Wall” project, either. Two other individuals involved in the scheme pleaded guilty to similar charges earlier in April. Although President Trump did pardon Bannon’s federal case, he did not have the authority to pardon any state charges.
A statement provided by Bannon’s legal advisor suggests that his team believes the charges are “phony” and conveniently timed just weeks before the midterm elections. Bannon, who hosts a radio show popular amongst Republicans, was also arrested just months before the 2020 election, too.
Fraud Charges in New York
There’s nothing wrong with profiting off of business ventures, but it is legally considered a crime when someone makes a false statement with the intent to deceive someone else, and someone else ends up losing out by relying on that statement. When these elements are present, it’s considered fraud.
In the case above, Bannon allegedly participated in a scam where investors were told that “100%” of the donations they received would go directly towards constructing the US border wall, but he and others reportedly diverted that money towards their own personal goals.
In New York, the penalties associated with fraud hinge on the value of the fraud. If you’re getting charged with fraud, then it’s important to ask for the specifics of your charge. You could be facing a misdemeanor, which is the least severe charge, or a felony. Although both of these could lead to jail time, penalties, and fines if you get convicted, a felony is much more serious. A conviction could mean you’ll lose certain rights like the right to possess a firearm and vote.
Do You Need a Fraud Defense Attorney in NY?
Are you currently facing fraud charges in New York? It makes sense to hire the best possible defense attorney that you can in order to secure a better legal outcome in your situation. Here at Bukh Law Firm, we understand that your freedom is at risk. We’re ready to fight for you.
Request a case evaluation by leaving your contact details on our online form now.
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