It would appear that Judge Merchan will have to be satisfied with only presiding over one Trump-related case.
Merchan was the judge of record for Steve Bannon in another criminal matter, but he has withdrawn from the case due to a scheduling conflict.
I would imagine that Steve Bannon is breathing a sigh of relief.
Can’t Do It
Merchan was supposed to preside over the Bannon criminal case regarding the “We Build the Wall” scam.
This was supposed to be a fundraising effort to raise money to complete the border wall after Trump left office.
The effort went off the rails, however, and all three founders, which included Bannon, have found themselves in a legal mess.
Bannon was charged with, among other crimes, money laundering, conspiracy, and fraud.
Bannon has insisted that he did nothing wrong and has already pleaded not guilty in the case.
Judge Ellen Biden announced the change of judges in the case, stating, “Merchan … who is assigned to this matter, is engaged to preside over a six-defendant trial that is scheduled to commence on 09/16/24 and expected to last at least three months.”
So, Judge April Newbauer will be taking over the case.
She was appointed by former Governor Andrew Cuomo, so Bannon will still have a Democrat calling the shots. However, after seeing what Merchan did to Trump, I would have to think Bannon will not exactly be upset at the change.
