Central Islip, N.Y. — A 13-count federal indictment unsealed Wednesday in New York charges U.S. Rep. George Santos with embezzling campaign money, receiving bogus unemployment funds and lying to Congress about his finances.
In a news release, the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York said the charges against the New York Republican include three counts of “money laundering,” though the indictment does not use that specific phrase.
Santos pleaded not guilty yesterday to defrauding donors, stealing campaign funds and lying to Congress about being a billionaire, all while collecting unearned unemployment benefits.
He later said he would not give up his bid for re-election, ignoring calls for him to resign.
The 13-count federal indictment exposes a web of fraud and deception that prosecutors say overlaps with his fantastic public image as a wealthy businessman — a fictional biography that began to unravel after he won his election late this year. past.
Santos, 34, was released on $500,000 bail after his arraignment, about five hours after turning himself in to authorities on Long Island to face charges of wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds and false statements to Congress.
If found guilty, he could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.
“This is the beginning of my opportunity to face the situation and defend myself,” Santos told reporters, vowing to clear his name and calling the accusation a “witch hunt.”
Santos didn’t say much during his arraignment, which lasted about 15 minutes. His lawyer said he plans to continue his recently announced re-election campaign, ignoring calls for him to resign. He asked the judge for permission for Santos to travel without restrictions, although the legislator had to hand over his passport. Santos said that he would return to Washington for votes on Thursday.
Among the accusations, the prosecution indicates that Santos induced his supporters to make donations to a company under the false excuse that the money would be used for his campaign. Instead, they say he used the funds for personal expenses, such as designer clothes and his car and credit card payments.
Santos is also accused of lying about his finances, applying for and receiving unemployment benefits while employed as the regional director of an investment bank that the government closed in 2021 after allegations it was a Ponzi scheme.
