LONG ISLAND (CN) — U.S. Representative George Santos pleaded not guilty in Long Island federal court Friday to a superseding indictment accusing him of inflating his campaign’s fundraising numbers and charging campaign contributors’ credit cards without their consent.
When Judge Joanna Seybert announced a trial date of Sept. 9, 2024 — after the scheduled June primaries for Santos' seat — a groan was heard in the courtroom.
The 23-count indictment added 10 new charges that accuse the Republican freshman congressman from New York's 3rd district of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, money laundering and theft of public funds, among others.
According to the charging documents, Santos was part of at least three fraudulent schemes to get money for himself and his campaign, along with former campaign treasurer Nancy Marks.
Marks pleaded guilty in early October to one felony count of conspiracy and admitted to making false statements, obstructing the administration of the Federal Election Commission and committing aggravated identity theft.
The hearing also addressed potential conflicts of interest for Joseph W. Murray, Santos’ attorney. Murray conceded that he knew two people named in the complaint, including Marks, from when he ran for Queens County district attorney.
Advised by federal defender Evan Sugar, Santos agreed to waive any conflicts that may exist as a result and agreed to keep Murray as his attorney.
According to the charging document, to qualify for a program administered by a national party committee, Santos and Marks falsely reported contributions to the FEC to demonstrate their campaign had raised at least $250,000 from third-party contributors in a single quarter.
Prosecutors also say the pair agreed to falsely report that at least 10 family members had made significant financial contributions to the campaign and falsely reported that Santos had loaned the campaign large amounts of money, including one loan of $500,000.
Additionally, the indictment says Santos charged contributors’ credit cards repeatedly without their consent.
Outside the courthouse, protestors gathered with signs condemning Santos, saying “Congressman George Santos does not stand with New Yorkers,” and “MAGA Republicans: No integrity! No honor! No shame!” Some signs simply said “Fraud” and "Liar” in giant red letters.
As Santos left the courthouse, protestors shouted at him, reiterating the messages on their signs. He made no comment to the public or reporters before getting in his car and driving away.
Amid speculation that Santos’ legal trouble may push him out of office before he can run as an incumbent, a resolution was introduced in the House Thursday to expel the indicted congressman.
Representative Anthony D’Esposito, a fellow New York Republican, introduced the resolution to expel Santos as privileged, which means the House must consider the measure within two legislative days.
Since Santos’ indictment, both Democrats and Republicans have announced their intention to run for his seat.
About 30 candidates are vying for Santos’ position, including Tom Suozzi, a Long Island Democrat who held the seat before an unsuccessful run for governor in 2022.
“The madness in Washington … and the absurdity of George Santos remaining in the United States Congress is obvious to everyone,” Suozzi wrote in a social media statement announcing his bid.
On the Democratic side, nonprofit founder Zak Malamed, former state Senator Anna Kaplan and Nassau lawmaker Josh Lafazan have said they would run, among others. As for Republicans, Afghanistan war veteran Kellen Curry announced in April he would run against Santos.
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