Steve Bannon pleads not guilty on fraud charges in virtual court appearance
Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon is indicted on charges of defrauding donors in an online fundraising scheme called 'We Build the Wall'; David Lee Miller has an update.
Accused fraudster and former White House strategist Steve Bannon was aboard a $28 million yacht owned by a Chinese billionaire when he was arrested on fraud charges Thursday morning, according to reports.
The 150-foot mega vessel was in the Long Island Sound near Westbrook, Connecticut, when President Trump’s former strategist was picked up by US Postal Service inspectors, the Hartford Courant reported.
The boat, the Lady May, is owned by Guo Wengui, one of China’s most wanted fugitives, who is wanted in Beijing on fraud, blackmail and bribery charges, according to the Washington Post.
STEVE BANNON PLEADS NOT GUILTY AFTER INDICTMENT IN 'WE BUILD THE WALL' CASE
The 2014 yacht was listed for sale in an April post that boasted about its luxe amenities, like a fully stocked bar in the main lounge, a white marble and bleached oak interior and five staterooms. The meticulously kept vessel, which has a max speed of 19 knots (22 mph) and cruising speed of 14 knots (16 mph), can carry up to 10 guests and a crew of eight.
It remained off West Beach in Westbrook following Bannon’s arrest on charges he pocketed donations from the $25 million “We Build the Wall” fundraiser for the US-Mexico border wall.
A photo tweeted by a Fox 61 reporter appeared to show Bannon on Wednesday night aboard the yacht wearing a white shirt and khakis.
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Bannon, 66, served as a top adviser to Trump’s presidential campaign and later served as White House chief strategist. He was fired by the president in August 2017.
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