George Santos Case Update: Republican Pleads Not Guilty to 13-Count Indictment

New York Rep. George Santos pleads not guilty to federal prosecutors' 13-count indictment
The charges against the emballed Republican include wire fraud, money laundering, stealing public funds, and lying on federal disclosure forms
Santos announced last month that he plans to run for re-election despite calls for him to resign

Embattled New York Rep. George Santos pleads not guilty after federal prosecutors charged him with 13 counts, including wire fraud, money laundering, stealing public funds, and lying on federal disclosure forms.

The lawmaker has been under increasing pressure to resign over his confirmed lies and other supposed criminal behavior in the last few months. The first-term Republican representative gave several speeches on the House floor following the controversies.

George Santos Faces 13-Count Indictment

Despite widespread criticism from even his party, Santos announced that he was planning to run for re-election in just the last month. He also tried to leverage his vote with House Republican leadership on a contentious bill that sought to raise the debt ceiling of the United States government, as per the New York Times.

The consequences of his lies confronted Santos on Wednesday after federal prosecutors unsealed the 13-count indictment against him and took the Republican into custody. The New York representative later appeared in front of a judge in a courthouse in Central Islip. The Republican lawmaker pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.

However, outside the courthouse, some people gathered, including news media personnel and observers, holding one-word "Lies" signs. When Santos saw these, his prior calm demeanor went away, immediately said that the situation was a "witch hunt."

In addressing reporters outside of the courthouse, Santos maintained his belief that the allegations against him were politically motivated, saying that he would later clear his name. The indictment that federal authorities issued is the culmination of the long-running controversy centering around the Republican lawmaker.

Widespread Criticism

While some Republican lawmakers have called on Santos to resign following the slew of controversies, some top House GOP members were willing to wait for the legal process to play out before taking a side with or against the New York representative, according to Reuters.

On the other hand, US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he would not support Santos' re-election attempt. The Republican said that the New York representative has "a lot going on" and should focus on other things instead of re-election.

Following the New York representative's arraignment, he was allowed to be released on a $500,000 bond. He added that this was the beginning of his ability to address and defend himself from the accusations.

Santos' lawyer, Joseph Murray, said that it should be considered a serious case when the federal government targets someone. The Republican lawmaker also revealed he plans to return to Washington amid the controversy, causing some to express concern about his ability to serve.

Utah Sen. Mitt Romney said that the wheels of justice grind slowly but finely, referencing the process that Santos' case would have to go through to reach a conclusion, said the Associated Press.