Bannon was convicted of contempt of Congress for failing to testify earlier than panel investigating January 6 Capitol riot.
Steve Bannon, a former prime adviser to former US President Donald Trump, has been sentenced to 4 months in jail for refusing to cooperate with lawmakers investigating final 12 months’s assault on the US Capitol.
United States District Choose Carl Nichols imposed the sentence on Friday and in addition ordered Bannon to pay a fantastic of $6,500.
Earlier this week, US prosecutors had requested the choose to condemn Bannon to 6 months in jail, whereas Bannon’s legal professionals had sought probation, after the 68-year-old in July was convicted of two counts of contempt of Congress.
Every rely was punishable by 30 days to at least one 12 months in jail and a fantastic ranging between $100 to $100,000.
Prosecutor JP Cooney stated at Friday’s listening to that Bannon selected to “thumb his nostril at Congress” by refusing to testify or present paperwork subpoenaed by the congressional committee probing the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and efforts by Trump’s allies to overturn his 2020 election loss.
He “isn’t above the regulation, and that’s what makes this case essential”, Cooney stated.
Bannon, 68, was a key adviser to the Republican Trump’s 2016 presidential marketing campaign, then served as his chief White Home strategist in 2017 earlier than a falling out between them that was later patched up.
Bannon helped articulate the “America First” populism and stout opposition to immigration that helped outline Trump’s presidency. He additionally has performed an instrumental position in right-wing media and has promoted right-wing causes and candidates within the US and overseas.
In keeping with the January 6 committee, Bannon spoke with Trump a minimum of twice on the day earlier than the Capitol riot final 12 months, attended a planning assembly at a Washington lodge, and stated on his right-wing podcast that “all hell goes to interrupt free tomorrow”.
Throughout his trial, prosecutors known as solely two witnesses whereas Bannon’s defence group known as none. Bannon opted to not testify.
Bannon’s legal professionals stated he was not appearing in unhealthy religion by refusing to testify, however making an attempt to keep away from working afoul of govt privilege objections Trump had raised when Bannon was first served with a committee subpoena final 12 months.
The one-time presidential adviser stated he needed a Trump lawyer within the room, however the committee wouldn’t enable it.
Many different former White Home aides have testified with solely their very own counsel current.
Bannon had been fired from the White Home in 2017 and was a non-public citizen when he was consulting with the then-president earlier than the January 6 riot. His legal professionals have stated they may enchantment his conviction.
In the meantime, the Home committee’s leaders have known as Bannon’s conviction a victory for the rule of regulation.
Bannon had sought to painting the prison fees as politically motivated, lashing out at Biden and Legal professional Normal Merrick Garland, whereas saying, “They took on the mistaken man his time.”
Bannon declined to handle the choose previous to sentencing on Friday.
The Democratic-led committee has sought testimony from dozens of individuals in Trump’s orbit.
Along with Bannon, prosecutors have charged former Trump White Home adviser Peter Navarro with contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the identical committee, with a November 17 trial date set. Navarro has pleaded not responsible.
Friday’s sentencing doesn’t finish Bannon’s authorized troubles.
He was indicted in New York state in September on fees of cash laundering and conspiracy, with prosecutors accusing him of deceiving donors giving cash to assist construct Trump’s promised wall alongside the US-Mexico border.
Bannon, who pleaded not responsible, may resist 15 years in jail if convicted on these fees. Trump pardoned Bannon final 12 months on related federal fees.