Steve Bannon affiliate again on trial in ‘We Construct the Wall’ fraud case in NYC

A former Steve Bannon affiliate was again on trial in Manhattan Federal Court docket Tuesday, accused of stealing hundreds of thousands from Trump supporters who donated cash to the “We Construct the Wall” marketing campaign.

Timothy Shea’s first prosecution led to a mistrial in June, after one of many jurors alleged the case in opposition to the Colorado businessman was a part of a authorities “witch hunt.”

Shea, who owns an power drink firm that claims to promote “liberal tears,” is one among 4 males the feds charged within the “We Construct the Wall” fraud case in 2020.

Two others pleaded responsible in April to the scheme that screwed over supporters of Trump’s signature immigration coverage to construct a wall alongside the U.S.-Mexico border.

Assistant U.S. Legal professional Derek Wikstrom informed jurors that Shea, Bannon, and two others who pleaded responsible in April, Brian Kolfage and Andrew Badolato, coordinated to steal tons of of 1000’s of {dollars} from the pot of small donations.

“It is a case about lies. About lies used to boost cash. About lies used to steal cash and about lies to cowl it up,” mentioned Wikstrom throughout the federal government’s opening argument. “Whether or not you’re for or in opposition to a border wall, nobody needs to be a sufferer of fraud.”

Trump pardoned Bannon of the federal fees throughout his final hours within the White Home. The Manhattan district legal professional filed new ones in opposition to the Trump strategist in September, whose presidential pardon didn’t embody state prosecution. He has pleaded not responsible.

In his repurposed opening argument, Shea’s lawyer John Meringolo appeared to take inspiration from the juror who quickly obtained his shopper off the hook. He requested panelists to scrutinize the place and when the alleged occasions came about.

“They didn’t provide the entire image,” mentioned Meringolo. “Is there a venue on this case?”