Rep. Santos denies new fraud charges.
Rep. George Santos Pleads Not Guilty to New Charges of Fraud
Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) has entered a plea of not guilty to 10 additional charges of fraud, including the unauthorized use of campaign supporters’ credit cards for extravagant purchases totaling tens of thousands of dollars. The plea was made on his behalf by his attorney at a Long Island courthouse on Oct. 27.
The 10 charges were revealed in a superseding indictment filed on Oct. 10, bringing the total number of indictments against Santos to 23, with 13 filed earlier this year.
Among the charges Santos faces are conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, wire fraud, making false statements to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), falsification of records submitted to the FEC, aggravated identity theft, and access device fraud. You can find the full list of charges in the pdf.
In May, Santos pleaded not guilty to 13 federal charges, including wire fraud, money laundering, theft from the public treasury, and making false statements to Congress.
Prior to his court appearance, some of Santos’s fellow New York Republican colleagues intensified their campaign to have him expelled from Congress.
As he left the courthouse, Santos ignored the media but acknowledged a group of protesters across the street by smiling and waving at them.
Despite calls for his resignation, Santos has continued to represent his New York district in Congress.
Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, along with four other New York Republicans, submitted a motion to eject Santos from the House, citing his unfitness to represent his voters. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy endorsed an investigation into Santos’s actions by the Ethics Committee when the charges were first brought against him.
Newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed the potential expulsion of Santos during an interview with Fox News’s Sean Hannity, stating that the decision may hinge on the majority in the House.
“Here’s the reality: we have a four-seat majority in the House, it is possible that that number may be reduced even more in the coming weeks and months,” said Johnson. ”And so we’ll have what may be the most razor-thin majority in the history of the Congress. We have no margin for error.
“And so George Santos is due due process, right? My understanding is I think he’s appearing in a federal court tomorrow, and we have to allow the process to play itself out. That’s what our system of justice is for.”
Johnson emphasized that Santos is “not convicted” and has only been charged with the crimes, highlighting the importance of not expelling individuals from Congress solely based on charges.
The Epoch Times reached out to Santos’s office for comment, but there was no immediate response.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
What potential consequences could Santos face if found guilty of the charges against him
O federal authorities. The charges stemmed from allegations that Santos used campaign funds for personal expenses and made false statements to cover up his actions. The new charges add to the already substantial list of allegations against the congressman.
According to the superseding indictment, Santos is accused of using campaign supporters’ credit cards without authorization to make extravagant purchases totaling tens of thousands of dollars. These purchases included luxury items and personal expenses unrelated to his campaign activities. The unauthorized use of campaign funds for personal gain is a serious offense and represents a breach of trust with his supporters.
The plea of not guilty entered by Santos raises questions about his defense strategy and the evidence that will be presented in court. It will be up to the prosecution to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, while Santos and his attorney will likely attempt to cast doubt on the validity of the charges and present alternative explanations for his actions.
The indictment brings the total number of charges against Santos to 23, with 13 initially filed earlier this year. The expanding list of charges indicates the gravity of the allegations against him and suggests that the authorities are building a strong case.
In addition to fraud-related charges, Santos also faces accusations of making false statements to the Federal Election Commission and falsifying records submitted to the FEC. These charges highlight the importance of transparency and honesty in campaign finance reporting.
The case against Santos has attracted significant attention and scrutiny, particularly due to his position as a United States representative. The allegations of fraud and misuse of campaign funds undermine the public’s trust in elected officials and raise concerns about corruption and ethical conduct.
If found guilty, Santos could face severe consequences, including imprisonment, fines, and the potential loss of his political career. The legal process will determine his fate, and it is essential for justice to be served.
As the trial progresses, it will
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