A federal judge on Friday declined to dismiss criminal charges against former Rep. George Santos for alleged schemes that cost him his seat.
The judge denied Santos’ motion to dismiss certain fraud charges, ruling he failed to meet the legal standards.
The New York Republican who represented parts of Queen’s and Nassau County has pleaded not guilty to a host of charges accusing him of defrauding donors, lying to Congress and using campaign contributions for personal expenses.
Former congressman George Santos leaves the Alfonse D’Amato Federal Courthouse in Central Islip, N.Y., Dec. 12, 2023.
Howard Schnapp/Newsday RM via Getty Images
Santos dropped his bid for reelection after he was expelled from the House in December.
Santos faces 23 felony charges, including two counts of wire fraud, two counts of making materially false statements to the Federal Election Commission, two counts of falsifying records submitted to obstruct the FEC, two counts of aggravated identity theft and one count of access device fraud, according to the United States Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of New York.
Two of Santos’ associates, his former campaign finance chief Nancy Marks and fundraiser Sam Miele, have already pleaded guilty to charges.
Santos had represented New York’s 3rd Congressional District since January 2020 before being expelled on Dec. 1, 2023, in a bipartisan vote.
Santos’ trial is scheduled for September.
In a recent development in the ongoing fraud case against George Santos, a judge has ruled to proceed with charges against the defendant. The decision comes after months of legal proceedings and deliberations, as prosecutors have presented evidence of alleged fraudulent activities committed by Santos.
The case against Santos centers around accusations of financial fraud and deception, with prosecutors claiming that he engaged in a scheme to defraud investors and misappropriate funds for personal gain. The charges include wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit fraud, among others.
During the court proceedings, prosecutors have presented a compelling case against Santos, citing evidence such as financial records, witness testimonies, and electronic communications that allegedly demonstrate his involvement in the fraudulent activities. The judge’s decision to proceed with charges indicates that there is sufficient evidence to warrant a trial and further investigation into the allegations against Santos.
Santos, who has maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings, has vehemently denied the charges against him and has vowed to fight the allegations in court. His defense team has argued that the evidence presented by prosecutors is circumstantial and lacks concrete proof of his involvement in any fraudulent activities.
The ruling to proceed with charges against Santos is a significant development in the case, as it signals that the court believes there is enough evidence to move forward with a trial. The decision also underscores the seriousness of the allegations against Santos and the potential consequences he may face if found guilty of the charges.
As the legal proceedings continue, both sides will have the opportunity to present their arguments and evidence in court, and ultimately, it will be up to a jury to determine Santos’s guilt or innocence. In the meantime, Santos remains out on bail as he awaits his day in court.
The outcome of the case against George Santos will have far-reaching implications for all parties involved, including investors who may have been affected by the alleged fraud. As the legal process unfolds, it is crucial for justice to be served and for accountability to be upheld in cases of financial fraud.
