How Bannon and his indicted business partners cashed in on Donald Trump

The men had a history of monetizing conservative causes long before they were charged with fraud this week in a scheme to build a private border wall

They all had colorful histories, though not necessarily the kind to inspire instant confidence. And they had a shared devotion to President Trump.

Brian Kolfage, a decorated Iraq War veteran and motivational speaker, had created a string of pro-Trump websites using bogus stories to draw clicks and sell ads. Timothy Shea sold a Trump-themed energy drink he marketed as containing “liberal tears.” Andrew Badolato had a trail of failed businesses, unpaid tax bills and sexual misconduct allegations.

They came together early last year with a cherished project — building Mr. Trump’s long-promised, long-stalled border wall — and influential supporters to promote it,