Former Business Associates of Steve Bannon Sentenced to Prison for Fraudulent Border Wall Fundraiser Scheme

NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge in New York has sentenced two former business associates of ex-White House official Steve Bannon to several years in prison for their roles in an infamous and fraudulent fundraiser to build barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border during the Trump administration.

Brian Kolfage, a decorated Air Force veteran who lost both of his legs and an arm in the Iraq War, was sentenced to four years and three months in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and tax crimes. Kolfage was the co-founder of the fundraising group linked to Bannon known as “We Build The Wall,” which raised more than $25 million from tens of thousands of private donors.

Kolfage’s business partner, Andrew Badolato, was also sentenced to four years and three months in prison after pleading guilty to several federal crimes related to siphoning funds from the online fundraising scheme.

The two men were accused of using the money for personal expenses, including luxury vacations and home renovations. Prosecutors said Kolfage and Badolato had diverted more than $350,000 from the campaign for their own use.

The sentencing of Kolfage and Badolato comes as Bannon, who served as a top adviser to President Donald Trump, faces new charges in New York state. Bannon has been charged with fraud in connection with the We Build The Wall campaign and is awaiting trial.