A New York judge has reportedly agreed to delay the start of Steve Bannon’s trial on charges that he defrauded supporters of newly elected President Donald Trump after his defense requested a delay into the new year.
Judge April Newbauer moved the start date of his trial from December 9 to February 25, 2025, according to The Associated Press, Courthouse news And reporter Adam Klasfeld.
Bannon’s legal team had argued it would need more time to respond to new evidence presented by prosecutors.
ADAM GRAY via Getty Images
Bannon faces up to 15 years in prison for conspiracy, fraud and money laundering after he was accused of donating millions of dollars to build a border wall with Mexico for his personal use.
He has denied being guilty of the charges.
Prosecutors say Bannon’s former nonprofit, WeBuildTheWall Inc., had pledged to donate 100% of its donations to building a border wall. Instead, they say he helped funnel more than $100,000 to a co-founder of the organization.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg brought this case against Bannon at the state level after Trump pardoned him on related federal charges before leaving office in January 2021. A president cannot forgive these state charges.
Two of Bannon’s former associates at the organization were not pardoned by Trump in the federal case and were sentenced to prison last year.
A spokesperson for Bragg’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Bannon was released from prison last month after serving four months for refusing to comply with a congressional subpoena. Bannon declined to testify about his involvement in Trump’s attempt to overturn the 2020 election results.
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This is a development story. Check back later for updates.