Former advisor to President Trump Steve Bannon has pleaded not guilty in Manhattan federal court after his arrest Thursday in a scam involving “We Build The Wall,” a non-profit that supposed used crowdfunding to build a border wall, the Associated Press reports.
Bannon has been accused of charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He was charged with three other co-conspirators, including the face of the organization, a veteran named Brian Kolfage.
The group allegedly funneled millions of dollars in private donations–meant to fulfill Trump’s campaign promise to build a wall, or perhaps fencing, along the border with Mexico–to their personal accounts. Bannon allegedly took more than a million dollars, and Kolfage reportedly took at least $350,000.
Others including Kris Kobach and Curt Schilling were part of the “We Build The Wall” organization, but they were not charged as of yet. Trump has distanced himself from the operation, although he made claims supporting the effort and his son, Don Jr. appeared at an event in support of the group.