Court finds Steve Bannon guilty of 2 counts of contempt of Congress

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Court finds Steve Bannon guilty of 2 counts of contempt of Congress

Former White House strategist Steve Bannon, left, speaks with reporters as he departs federal court on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, in Washington. Accompanying Bannon is his attorney M. Evan Corcoran. Bannon, a one-time adviser to former President Donald Trump, faces criminal contempt of Congress charges after refusing for months to cooperate with the House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

OAN NEWSROOM

UPDATED 1:15 PM PT – Friday, July 22, 2022

"I stand with Trump and the Constitution. Thank you very much."

— Steve Bannon

Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon reaffirmed his innocence on charges of ignoring a subpoena issued by the January 6 Committee. Attorneys representing Bannon concluded his defense on Thursday and made a motion for the presiding judge to acquit their client before jury deliberation begins.

Bannon attorney Evan Corcoran had originally requested a direct acquittal, arguing the Department of Justice failed to present an adequate case against his client. Attorney David Schoen echoed these sentiments while claiming Bannon's legal team was in active negotiations with the so-called select committee rather than ignoring their summon.

"He told them from the very first letter he would comply if they go before a judge and the judge orders him, no orders that the executive privilege wasn't valid," said Schoen. "As simple as that. He's not someone who thought he was above the law ever. He's not someone who ignored a subpoena at all times and communicated with them."

Bannon himself reiterated he had previously been bound to silence by former President Donald Trump's executive privilege and has cooperated with authorities in multiple other manners. He also took the time to call out the panel's chair, Bennie Thompson.

During the trial, the defense called no witnesses and introduced no new evidence. This came after the judge ruled their arguments on executive privilege or the political bias of the January 6 Committee would not be heard.

A verdict was reached Friday and a D.C. court found Bannon guilty. He was charged with criminal contempt for failing to comply with a subpoena from the House Select Committee Investigating January 6.

Bannon did not take the stage and his defense did not present a case to the jury. The jury deliberated for around three hours. He will be sentenced October 21 and is now facing a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a $100,000 fine.

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Source: Court finds Steve Bannon guilty of 2 counts of contempt of Congress