Brian Kolfage, a decorated United States Air Force veteran who lost both of his legs and an arm in a rocket attack in Iraq, was sentenced to 51 months in prison on Wednesday for defrauding donors to the “We Build the Wall” campaign. The online initiative raised over $25 million from hundreds of thousands of contributors with the intention to privately fund former President Donald Trump's southern border wall.
Kolfage had pleaded guilty last year to misappropriating more than $350,000 from the campaign. Prosecutors stated that he spent the money on cosmetic surgery, boat payments, and jewelry.
Steve Bannon, Mr. Trump’s former White House strategist, was also charged in connection with this scheme but later received a presidential pardon during Trump’s final hours as president.
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan recommended Kolfage spend 51 months behind bars for his role in defrauding donors of their contributions meant for building a wall along the US-Mexican border.
Andrew Badolato, another former Bannon associate involved with "We Build The Wall", also pleaded guilty and received a sentence of 36 months imprisonment. Additionally, Timothy Shea—a defendant convicted at trial—will be sentenced this June after being found guilty back in October.
One prosecutor remarked about Kolfage's actions: "Instead of helping build something meaningful or useful at our nation's borders...the defendant chose instead simply to line his own pockets."
"It is important that those who commit crimes such as these are held accountable," stated Judge Lorna G. Schofield when announcing Kolfage's sentence during Wednesday's hearing at federal court in Manhattan.