George Santos Pleads Not Guilty to New Fraud Charges

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Facts

  • Republican Rep. George Santos (NY-03) pleaded not guilty on Friday to 10 additional federal charges added to his ongoing federal theft and money laundering case.1
  • Santos is accused of identity theft and using his donors' credit cards 'without their authorization' to transfer campaign money to his personal bank account.2
  • In May, Santos had pleaded not guilty to 13 criminal charges, including lying to Congress about his wealth and receiving unemployment benefits he didn't deserve.3
  • Altogether charged with 23 felony counts, Santos has refused to resign from Congress, stating he is 'entitled to due process and not a predetermined outcome as some are seeking.'4
  • US District Judge Joanna Seybert has scheduled a trial for Sept. 9, 2024, while Santos' next status conference is scheduled for Dec. 12.2
  • Meanwhile, several New York Republican lawmakers have introduced a resolution to expel Santos — who also faces a House ethics probe — from Congress.5

Sources: 1CNBC, 2NBC, 3Associated Press, 4CBS and 5NPR Online News.

Narratives

  • Democratic narrative, as provided by NPR Online News. Santos' plethora of lies and his ever-growing legal issues show how unfit he is to serve in Congress. Republicans need to vote him out so this ridiculous and unprofessional saga can finally end.
  • Republican narrative, as provided by Federalist. Santos has denied all wrongdoing and should be presumed innocent until proven guilty. He is entitled to due process, and his fellow lawmakers shouldn't try to oust him prematurely.