OUR republican Rep. George Santos pleaded not guilty today to charges of fraud, money laundering and theft of public funds, despite taking another hit after even members of his own party called for him to resign because he lied. in your resume.

Santos replied “Yes, madam”, when a judge in New York federal court asked him if he had discussed the charges with his lawyer and if he understood that he could invoke the Fifth Amendment so as not to incriminate himself. In total, he is charged with 13 crimes. Among other things, that he deceived potential political supporters and transferred their donations of $50,000 to his personal bank account in order to pay off various debts and buy luxurious clothes with this money. Before he was elected as an MP, he illegally collected $24,000 in unemployment benefits even though he was working. He also allegedly made false statements to the House of Representatives about his assets, income, and debts.

Waiting position of the Republicans

Republicans, who control the House of Representatives by a slim majority (222 to 213 Democrats), say they will wait until the criminal case is over before running against Santos. The congressman was released on $500,000 bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for June 30. This means he can return to Washington and vote normally in Congress. However, the court ordered him to hand over his passport and restrict his movements.

Federal prosecutors say they have evidence of a “fraudulent behavior pattern” on the part of the deputy, but as he walked out of court, he said he was the victim of a “witch hunt.” He ruled out resigning and assured that he would “clear” his name and run for re-election.

So far, nine Republican lawmakers have called for him to resign. Party number two Steve Scalise said that while “there is a presumption of innocence in America, these are serious charges,” but Republicans will first wait for the court’s decision.

Days after Santos was elected in 2022 to represent Long Island, the New York Times and other media reported that he had fabricated almost his entire personal and professional life. Among other things, he claimed to have degrees from New York University and Baruch College, but his name does not appear on the student records of either institution. He claimed to have worked for Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, which was also untrue. In his resume, he stated that he was of Jewish descent and that his grandparents escaped the Holocaust. He was gay, but did not disclose that for many years, until 2019, he was married to a woman.

He has since admitted that many elements of his resume are not true.

If his guilt is proven, he could be sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Source: APE/MEB