By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon
BBC - Guardian UK - Honduras - The Source
SDNY COURTHOUSE, May 25 – The Southern District of New York courthouse, which Inner City Press has covered nearly alone this summer amid the COVID-19 pandemic, was jumping on August 20. Video here. In the afternoon, Steve Bannon would appear in person before a judge. After pleading not guilty, he told the press as he left the courthouse, "This entire fiasco is to stop people who want to build the wall."
This came after more than two hours of chanting by three then six people with flags, pro-Bannon: "CCP violence, stop the killing." Inner City Press spoke with them, video here.
On August 31, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Analisa Torres held a proceeding, and Inner City Press live tweeted it, below.
After Bannon got his pardon, the US Attorney's Office on February 25 opposed the requested dismissal of indictment: "A pardon does not blot out probable cause of guilt or expunge an indictment." In re North, 62 F.3d 1434, 1437 (D.C. Cir. 1994). They also note that Bannon's request was emailed and not yet docketed.
On March 18, Bannon filed a motion to dismiss the complaint, citing outgoing EDNY US Attorney Seath DuCharme's filing for just that, after a similar pardon, for Kenneth Karson in 20-MJ-990.
On April 1, the US replied, again urging that Bannon only be terminated as a defendant in the case, no dismissal.
Now on May 25, Judge Torres has dismissed, while adding a quote in Latin: Poena tolli potest, culpa perennis erit (The punishment can be removed, but the crime remains). (citing Black’s Law Dictionary 1040 (5th ed. 1979)). For the reasons stated above, Bannon’s motion is GRANTED and the Indictment is DISMISSED as to him, pursuant to paragraph one of the Pardon."
Now on April 8, Bannon has replied, saying only two cases every arguable support the US Attorney's position: US v. Urlacher and President Obama's pardon of Iranian Nima Golestaneh, who pleaded guilty to allegations that he helped in cyber attacks against a Vermont-based defense contractor. But Bannon points out that pardon was conditional, while his is not. Watch this site.
On February 26, Judge Torres ruled: "ORDER as to Stephen Bannon. The Court has reviewed Defendant Stephen Bannon's letter dated February 18, 2021 (the "Letter"), transmitted to the Court via email, and the Government's response, ECF No. 86. Accordingly, By March 5, 2021, Bannon shall file the Letter on the docket, or move to file it under seal; By March 19, 2021, Bannon shall file his motion to dismiss; By April 2, 2021, the Government shall file its opposition; and By April 9, 2021, Bannon shall file his reply, if any." Watch this site.
Back on December 17, Judge Torres held another proceeding, and Inner City Press live tweeted it, below.
Now on December 27-28 in the case, We Built The Wall and Kris Kobach have appealed: "Notice is hereby given that We Build the Wall, Inc., and Kris Kobach, nonparty movants in the above-captioned case, hereby appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from an Order denying their Motion to Modify a Post-Indictment Restraining Order, entered in this action on December 14, 2020."
From Inner City Press' December 17 thread:
Judge Torres: I understand that for Mr. Bannon, Mr. Burck [of Quinn Emanuel] is withdrawing, and Mr. Costello is making his appearance?
Burck: Yes. Judge Torres: You are relieved. Will the [remaining] attorneys make their appearances?
AUSAs Moe, Roos and Sobelman
Judge Torres now reading script of the new Due Process Protection Act signed by President Trump in October, amending Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 5(f).
AUSA: The discovery is very extensive. We loaded the drives, at least the ones the defendants provided
Judge Torres: When will you be finished?
AUSA: It takes a while. A device [phone] has to be imaged, then a privilege team, then to prosecutors. I could give you an update in a few weeks or a month.
Judge Torres: Done by end of January? AUSA: Not with every device.
Judge Torres: How about February 22, 1 pm, as a control date, to know if the defense will be making motion?
AUSA: Fine with the government.
Defense: Can't predict, not having seen anything. [Apparently Costello for Bannon]
Costello for Bannon: Any Brady material?
AUSA Sobelman: we can do this offline, rather than in this public forum. Mr Costello never raised this to us, when we spoke. Judge Torres: OK, discussion offline. I'd like to wish you happy holidays. Adjourned.
Then, after the judge and others hang up, still on the line, among those with speaking roles: "Federal Judge appointed by Obama... This is pure political persecution of Trump." Watch this site.
On November 5, co-defendant Tim Shea asked for a transfer to Colorado: "PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that upon the accompanying papers, any exhibits attached thereto, and upon proceedings heretofore had, Timothy Shea, by his attorneys, John Meringolo Esq., will move this Court, before the Honorable Analisa Torres, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, for an Order granting Mr. Shea’s motion to transfer venue of this proceeding to the United States District Court of Colorado and any other relief the Court deems just and proper. Dated: November 5, 2020 New York, NY."
Judge Torres has directed the US to reply: "ORDER as to Timothy Shea: On November 5, 2020, Defendant Shea filed a motion to transfer. ECF No. 44. By November 12, 2020, the Government shall reply to this motion. The Government shall be prepared to state its position on the motion at the status conference scheduled for November 9, 2020. (Responses due by 11/12/2020) (Signed by Judge Analisa Torres on 11/5/2020) (ap)." Watch this site.
Now in September, a protective order in the case with this: "The parties, the parties’ counsel, and Designated Persons shall not disclose Protected Materials to members of the media, nor shall the parties, the parties’ counsel, and Designated Persons post any Protected Materials on any Internet or network site (such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social networking and media sites and applications) to which persons other than the parties, the parties’ counsel, and Designated Persons have access." The US Attorney's Office is asking for his more and more - even in a case about a man falsely calling 9-1-1. It should not stand.
William Burck, Allison McGuire and Daniel Koffman for Bannon and finally, after unmuting, Maringolo for Tim Shea.
Judge Analisa Torres: Good afternoon. [Asks Kolfage's lawyer to come out from the darkness - has light behind him]
Bannon has already been arraigned, but other three have not. Judge Torres asks, "Have you been provided with the indictment?" Kolfage: Yes. Badalato: Yes. Shea: Yes. None of them want indictment read out loud in court. Kolfage: Not guilty. Badalato: Not guilty.
AUSA Moe: For Mr. Kolfage we propose $500,000 bond... & prohibition against raise funds for We Built The Wall. No guns. Badalato & Shea: $250,000 bond each, no contact with No Build the Wall-ers except for wife. Judge Torres warns condition must be complied with
Judge Torres: We need to pick a trial date. Here in SDNY we have only a few courtrooms prepared for COVID pandemic. May 24, 2021 is the day I'd like to set. [Pause]. I haven't heard objections, so that's the date. Please tell me about discovery.
AUSA Moe: We intend to seek a protective order before providing discovery, given the sensitive nature of the material. We will then provide search warrants and returns, a January search warrant for emails, all within 3 weeks after the protective order.
Judge Torres: I'm going to expect protective order by Sept 8, and first wave of discovery by Sept 29.
AUSA Moe: In July and August we requested more emails, and devices. We haven't seen it all yet. We'll then provide it, on a rolling basis.
Judge Torres: All by Oct 30? AUSA Moe: We don't know which devises we'll be able get into. We can do status letters. Judge Torres: So status conference on Oct 26 at 1 pm. And yes, I would like to hear about discovery. Now I'll turn to Mr. Kolfage's social media.
Judge Torres: Let me give you an example of statements lawyers in cases here can't make: statements about past criminal record, or refusal or failure of the accused to make any statement. If public statements by the defendants, Local Rule 23.1 allows me to rule
Judge Torres: If any party in this case makes statements that could prejudice a jury, I will issue such a statement. Do you understand, Mr. Kolfage? Yes. Mr Bannon: Yes... Kolfage's lawyer: By definition 23.1 does not apply to defendants unless you hold a hearing
Kolfage's lawyer cites US v. Gotti, 2004 case. "The government issued a press release, approved by the US Attorney herself, she says he 'used the funds for his lavish lifestyle.' That has nothing to do with the case. It violates Number 7. He's called a fraudster
Kolfage's lawyer: The US violated the rule, they are being repeated by the press. It reminds me of the bully who picks on the weakest then when hit back, bully runs to the teacher. Rule 23 doesn't apply to defendants. Under 1(h) you'd have to hold a hearing.
Kolfage's lawyer: I have not help my client craft any statements. But we can't have the US calling my client a fraudster, and when he replies, they come and complain. Judge Torres: I'll hear from the US. AUSA Moe: We're not asking for an order at this time.
AUSA Moe: Our press release was standard and commonplace in this District. We did not hold a press conference. What troubles us is defendant's statement to witnesses & donors telling them the government will target them.
AUSA Moe: We have raised to Mr. Bannon's lawyer there may be a conflict of interest with his lawyer at Quinn Emanuel, which previously represented We Build The Wall. We may ask for a Curcio hearing.
Bannon's lawyer: 2 lawyers at our firm did some work for We Build the Wall, six & eight hours, by people not on the trial team. We would not object to a Curcio hearing. We don't think it's a significant issue.
Judge Torres: Time is excluded under Speedy Trial Act. This bring our conference to a close. I wish you all good health. Adjourned.
The U.S. Attorney's Office announced "the unsealing of an indictment charging BRIAN KOLFAGE, STEPHEN BANNON, ANDREW BADOLATO, and TIMOTHY SHEA for their roles in defrauding hundreds of thousands of donors in connection with an online crowdfunding campaign known as “We Build the Wall” that raised more than $25 million. The defendants were arrested this morning. KOLFAGE will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon in the Northern District of Florida. BANNON will be presented today in the Southern District of New York. BADOLATO will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Wilson in the Middle District of Florida. SHEA will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kristen L. Mix in the District of Colorado. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres in the Southern District of New York."
At 4 pm Bannon in a mask had a presentment and arraignment in before on-duty SDNY Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron. Inner City Press live tweeted it:
Appearances: Bannon is represented by Quinn Emanuel. Mag Judge Aaron is in black robe. AUSAs Roos and Moe "for the US."
Judge Aaron: When was defendant arrested?
AUSA: On a yacht off the coast of Connecticut this morning.
Judge: We may have a bail hearing until a package has been agreed to. [Without irony:] If you are not a citizen you have of the right to notification of the consulate
Judge: Is your client prepared to enter a plea? Defense lawyer: Not guilty.
Judge: Bail, detention or release?
AUSA Roos: We have an agreement on release. I'll read the conditions. A bond in the amount of $5 million secured by $1.75 million in cash or real property ...two financial responsible co-signers. Travel restricted to SDNY and EDNY; DC, Maryland and the EDVA, and CT for work. No international travel. No private planes or yachts without permission. No contact with We Built The Wall except with counsel.
AUSA: No raising money for We Built The Wall or moving its money. Release today with whatever time to comply.
Judge Aaron: I usually set a week. Defense?
William Burck for Mr Bannon: We would ask for 2 week because COVID situation is unclear.
Judge: Seems reasonable. US objection?
AUSA: No.
Judge Aaron: I've reviewed pre-trial services report and find these conditions reasonably assure his return for future court appearances. I approve. Has Judge Torres set any conference date?
AUSA: Aug 31, 1 pm
AUSA: We have put a notice on our website for victims. And we believe the defense may have a conflict of interest.
Judge Aaron: You do not need to give me the specifics at this point. We are adjourned.
The overall case is US v. Kolfage et al., 20-cr-412 (Torres).
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