Steve Bannon, President Trump’s former White House chief strategist, admitted Tuesday to defrauding New Yorkers who donated to his “We Build the Wall” online fundraiser — but will serve no prison time as part of the plea deal.
Bannon, wearing his signature dusted brown jacket, pleaded guilty to one count of scheme to defraud before Manhattan Supreme Court Judge April Newbauer.
“Do you now plead guilty to count 5, scheme to defraud,” a court clerk asked, to which Bannon responded, “Yes.”
Bannon was sentenced to a three-year conditional discharge, which means he will not serve any time in prison. He will also not be required to pay restitution.
He was set to go to trial on March 4 before ironing out a deal with Manhattan prosecutors.
It was the second felony conviction for Bannon, who was found guilty of contempt of Congress in 2022. He served four months in a federal prison before being released in November.
Bannon’s attorney, Arthur Aidala, said outside the courthouse that both he and Bannon were happy with the deal.
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