Yahoo TV

STORY: Peter Navarro, a White House adviser to former President Donald Trump, was convicted of contempt of Congress on Thursday (September 7) for refusing lawmakers’ subpoenas related to a probe into the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Navarro refused to testify or turn over documents to the Democratic-led House panel that investigated the riot by Trump supporters, claiming these were shielded by the president's executive privilege.

A judge disagreed, and a jury found Navarro guilty of two counts of contempt.

“A sad day for America…”

Speaking to reporters after the verdict, Navarro vowed to appeal.

"We knew going in what the verdict was going to be. That's why this is going to the appeals court. I said from the beginning, I am willing to go to prison to settle this issue. I'm willing to do that. But I also know that the likelihood of me going to prison is relatively small because we are right on this issue."

The verdict in Navarro's case in federal court in Washington came after a trial that featured just one day of testimony from three prosecution witnesses. The defense did not call any witnesses or present any evidence.

A federal prosecutor had told jurors "The defendant chose allegiance to former President Trump over compliance with the subpoena… that is contempt. That is a crime.”

The charges carry a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of one year in jail. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 12.