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

Man professes love for girlfriend despite alleged near-decapitation and leaving her body on porch for days, citing she ‘pushed him too far

Left: Shane Roberts (KTVQ). Right: Genna Rae LaCombe (Legacy). In a grim…

Father Hears Son’s Final Moments on Call, Witnesses Murderer Receive Prison Sentence

Left: Jalen Garces (Norfolk police). Right: Ali Muhammad (Bilal Muhammad). A Virginia…

Tragic Fallout: Innocent 12-Year-Old Girl Killed in AR-15 and AK-47 Crossfire Over Social Media Feud

Insets from left: Antawan Benson and Javen Conner (Montgomery County Prosecutor”s Office)…

Gainesville Woman Faces Arrest for Allegedly Embezzling Funds from Elderly Relative

In Gainesville, Florida, Vision Cierra Wilson, aged 44, found herself in legal…

Man Allegedly Leaves Girlfriend’s Body on Porch After Violent Incident

Left: Shane Roberts (KTVQ). Right: Genna Rae LaCombe (Legacy). A Montana man,…

Tragic 911 Call: Child’s Heartbreaking Account of Mother’s Fatal Hammer Attack by Father

Left inset: Felipe Ayala (Springfield Police Department). Right inset: Suzette Flores (GoFundMe).…

Man Allegedly Threatens Violence Against ICE Agents and Their Families, DOJ Reports

Left: Matthew White (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement). Right: Law officials spread…

Father Receives Probation for Assaulting Fiancee and Infant in Disturbing Domestic Incident

Inset: Avery Mapes (Lucas County Sheriff’s Office). The Ohio neighborhood where Avery…

Ohio Dentist and Wife Found Murdered: Ex-Surgeon Arrested in Shocking Case

An Illinois resident is now facing legal proceedings related to the tragic…

Tragic Incident: Toddler’s Access to Unsecured Gun Results in Fatal Shooting, Mother Faces Charges

Inset: Evelyn Etress (Blount County Sheriff”s Office). Background: Cops investigate after Etress’…

Gainesville Resident Faces Arrest for Alleged Threats Against Neighbor and Dog

Staff report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Early this morning, authorities arrested 34-year-old Jamiah…