Share this @internewscast.com

NEW YORK (AP) — A Colorado businessman convicted of fraudulently siphoning hundreds of thousands of dollars from an online fundraiser to build a wall along the U.S. southern border has been sentenced to five years and three months in prison.

Timothy Shea was sentenced Tuesday in Manhattan federal court after a jury convicted him last October of two conspiracy counts and an obstruction of justice charge. He said nothing when he was asked to comment as he left the building.

Another jury deadlocked on charges in the spring after 11 jurors wrote a note to the judge to say one juror had accused the others of being politically biased and suggesting the trial should be held in the South.

Local News

Prosecutor: ‘We Build The Wall’ fundraiser cheated donors

11:50 AM, May 24, 2022

Shea, of Castle Rock, Colorado, was charged two years ago along with three others, including Steve Bannon, the former top adviser to then-President Donald Trump. Bannon, who is now being prosecuted in state court, was pardoned by Trump just before he left office. Two others have pleaded guilty.

With its verdict, the jury rejected arguments by Shea’s lawyer, John Meringolo, that prosecutors had failed to prove there was fraud in the promotion of the “We Build The Wall” fundraiser that attracted $25 million in donations from hundreds of thousands of people across the country.

Meringolo also encouraged jurors during closing arguments to conclude that New York was an improper venue for the trial.

Local News

‘We Build The Wall’ trial ends in mistrial; jury deadlocked

2:48 PM, Jun 07, 2022

He also tried to convince them that his client had a right to accept reimbursement of extensive expenses related to the wall because he had done substantial work negotiating with homeowners on whose property the wall would be built and providing security for the construction. Only a few miles of wall were built.

Shea owns an energy drink company, Winning Energy, whose cans have featured a cartoon superhero image of Trump and claim to contain “12 oz. of liberal tears.”

Local News

Retrial of Colorado man in border wall fraud case begins

2:15 PM, Oct 25, 2022

After the verdict last October, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement that Shea and his codefendants lied to donors and “stole over $25 million from their victims.”

Shea’s attorney Meringolo said, “We respect the jury’s verdict.”

Bannon, 68, pleaded not guilty in September to New York state charges alleging that he cheated investors to the “We Build The Wall” campaign. Presidential pardons apply only to federal crimes.

CO businessman gets over 5 years in prison for ‘We Build The Wall’ fundraiser fraud


D7 follow up bar 2460x400FINAL.png

What do you want Denver7 to follow up on? Is there a story, topic or issue you want us to revisit? Let us know with the contact form below.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Airport Employee Faces Court Over Alleged Offensive Gesture Towards Jewish Children

An airport worker has faced court over claims he performed a Nazi…

Shocking Home Invasion: Fake Postal Worker in Disguise Launches Violent Attack on Couple

Ian A. Blair following his arrest in Seattle (King County Prosecutor’s Office).…

Gainesville Man Faces Charges After Alleged Door-Kicking Incident and Assault on Woman

Staff Report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities took Kelvin Lee Pritchett, 40, into…

Sheriff Reveals Shocking Case of Starved Boys Under Strict Parental Discipline

Inset, left to right: Dulce Crystal Bazan Castillo and Auturo Bazan-Perez (Oakland…

Amnesia or Guilt? Man Claims Memory Loss After Woman Found Dead in Camper, Police Investigate

Background: The campground at Mac”s Park Place in Mazeppa, Minn. (Google Maps).…

WA Bush Track Discovery Sparks Intense Murder Investigation

A homicide investigation has been launched after a man’s body was found…

Sheriff Reports: Woman Drives Through Accident Scene, Running Over Body of Man Previously Struck by Two Vehicles

Share In Texas, a tragic accident scene took a dangerous turn when…

Man Executes Estranged Wife Awaiting Divorce Finalization, Police Report

Left: Ronald Lowry (Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office). Right: Richelle Lowry (Family handout/KUSA).…

Young Family Unwittingly Caught in Terrifying Home Invasion

An innocent Melbourne family has had to cower in their home as…

Arkansas Tragedy: Man Faces Charges in Stepson’s Fatal Shooting

A man from Arkansas has been officially charged with murder following the…

Shocking Verdict: Mom Avoids Prison After Forcing Family into Lake in Bizarre ‘Worthiness’ Test

Left inset: Ruth Miller (Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office). Right inset: The boat…

Police Report: Man Allegedly Ambushes Mother in Bathroom Following Dispute Over Speaker Use

Background: The West Des Moines, Iowa, neighborhood where Nathan Norrell allegedly stabbed…