NEW YORK — Steve Bannon, the conservative strategist and longtime ally of Donald Trump, will stand trial subsequent May on costs that he duped donors who gave cash to construct a wall alongside the U.S. southern border, a choose stated Thursday.

Bannon’s trial within the “We Build the Wall” case will begin May 27, 2024, proper after the previous president is scheduled to face trial in the identical Manhattan courtroom in an unrelated felony case.

Bannon, 69, pleaded not responsible final September following his indictment on state cash laundering, conspiracy, fraud and different costs. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg took up the case after Bannon’s federal prosecution was lower brief by a Trump pardon. Presidential pardons apply solely to federal crimes, not state offenses.

Bannon is accused of falsely promising donors that every one cash given to the We Build the Wall marketing campaign would go towards constructing a wall alongside the U.S.-Mexico border. Instead, prosecutors allege that the cash was used to counterpoint Bannon and others concerned within the undertaking.

Brian Kolfage and Andrew Badolato pleaded responsible to federal costs and have been sentenced to jail. A 3rd defendant, Timothy Shea, was convicted in October and is scheduled to be sentenced subsequent month.

Judge Juan Manuel Merchan is presiding over each the Bannon and Trump circumstances. Bannon is free pending trial. Thursday’s listening to lasted all of 4 minutes.

“We’ll see you back in here in May,” Bannon stated as he left the courthouse in a black SUV.

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