Judge Juan Merchan, who previously oversaw President Trump’s “hush money” case, has been removed from former Trump strategist Steve Bannon’s upcoming criminal fraud trial.
Judge Ellen Biben announced that Merchan is no longer involved in the case because of conflicting schedules. She stated, “Merchan, who is assigned to this matter, is engaged to preside over a six-defendant trial that is scheduled to commence on September 16, 2024, and expected to last at least three months.” Biben explained that Merchan’s involvement in the Bannon case was not feasible as his trial is set to begin on September 23.
The judge that will take over Bannon’s case, Judge April Newbauer, has faced criticism for setting bail at only $5,000 for a man charged with assault and attempted burglary, who later, while out on bail, was charged with killing the same woman, her friend, and her dog.
Bannon has pleaded not guilty to charges of money laundering, conspiracy, and fraud related to his fundraising campaign, in which he allegedly deceived donors. He has a scheduled court appearance on July 23 and will begin a four-month prison sentence on July 1 for a 2022 contempt of Congress conviction regarding his refusal to assist the now defunct and recently deemed ‘illegitimate’ January 6th House committee.
