Staff Reports
In a shocking turn of events, Rep. George Santos, a New York Republican, has pleaded not guilty to a laundry list of charges, including identity theft, fraudulent credit card charges, and embezzlement. His attorney, Joseph Murray, entered the plea on Friday, while U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert scheduled his trial for September 9, 2024, just two months before his bid for re-election.
Rep. Santos pleads not guilty to new federal charges https://t.co/4r1ENpo8Ia
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) October 27, 2023
These charges were brought to light in a superseding indictment filed earlier this month. According to the indictment, Santos allegedly stole money from his own company and conspired with his former campaign treasurer, who has already pleaded guilty, to falsify donation sums and meet fundraising targets set by national Republicans.
With the new set of charges, Santos now faces a total of 23 counts. Back in May, he already pleaded not guilty to 13 federal charges, including wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds, and making false statements to the House.
Interestingly, Santos’ court arraignment coincided with a resolution filed by a group of New York Republicans, led by Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, aiming to expel him from Congress. Spearheaded by a co-sponsored group of New York representatives including Brandon Williams, Mike Lawler, Nick LaLota, and Marc Molinaro, the resolution argues that Santos is “not fit to serve” due to his pending criminal charges, lies about his background, and history of misrepresenting his and his family’s connections to significant events.
In response, Santos took to social media to assert his entitlement to due process and stated that he will not be resigning or clearing out his office. He also criticized the expulsion resolution as a “dangerous precedent” that assumes his guilt before he has even had his day in court.
The newly elected Speaker, Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana, echoed the sentiment espoused by his predecessor, Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California, by calling for due process to run its course. Although the situation remains fluid and highly charged, all eyes are set on Santos’ trial in September 2024, where his fate as a congressman could be decided.
