Steve Bannon’s lawyers, prosecutors ‘discussed potential plea’ deal in border wall case
Bannon’s plea deal discussions with New York prosecutors could resolve charges over the controversial ‘We Build the Wall’ fundraising scandal
Former Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon’s lawyers and New York state prosecutors have discussed a potential plea deal to resolve charges over a push to fund the US president’s wall along the US-Mexico border, a person familiar with the matter said on Monday.
Bannon, 71, was charged by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office with money laundering and conspiracy for allegedly deceiving donors in 2019 who contributed more than US$15 million to a private fundraising drive, known as “We Build the Wall”, during Trump’s first term.
Bannon had previously pleaded not guilty. His trial is scheduled for March 4, and a pre-trial conference is set for Tuesday before Justice April Newbauer in New York state criminal court.
Legal trade publication Law360 reported earlier on Monday that Bannon plans to plead guilty, citing his defence lawyer John Carman.
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“It is anticipated that Mr Bannon will plead guilty tomorrow under an agreement with the district attorney and the court that he will not receive a sentence that includes any jail time,” Carman was quoted as saying.
