Rep. George Santos in court Friday for hearing on fraud, money laundering case
CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. - Rep. George Santos faced a federal court judge on Long Island again Friday after his indictment in May.
His defense attorney asked for time to review tens of thousands of pages of documents the government says prove their fraud and embezzlement case against him.
Back in court after being hit with a 13-count indictment, which in May he called a witch hunt, this time, Santos uncharacteristically said nothing to reporters. A single supporter handed him a flag while a dozen protesters had plenty to say, chanting "shame" and "resign."
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"I am here to tell George Santos that I will never forget how angry and frustrated I have felt the past six months having a fraud and a liar as a congressman," said Marie Marsina, with Concerned Citizens of NY-3.
"We've all come here from different communities ... to take back our congressional seat from an imposter, conman and criminal," Port Washington resident Kim Keiserman said.
In court, the status conference took just five minutes.
Santos' attorney said the August congressional break was a "wonderful" time for them to review the over 80,000 pages of government evidence documents, prompting the judge to set a Sept. 7 next court date.
Opponents worry a trial may not even happen before the next election.
"It's going to be a long process, which is a problem for us as his constituents and having to live with this liar, this thief, this criminal as our congressman, as our representative," said Jodi Kass Finkel, with Concerned Citizens of NY-3.
Calling out the Republican House Speaker for failing to oust him.
"You've got no backbone, Kevin McCarthy. Wake up to yourself, man. This guy is bringing you down. He's making your entire party look horrendous. It's time for him to go," said Richard Osthoff, who was among those in court.
Osthoff is a formerly homeless veteran who claims Santos stole donated money for his sick service dog.
"I just wanted to come here and let people know what a dark soul he has, if he has one at all," Osthoff said.
Charges against Santos include duping supporters, using their contributions for personal purchases, collecting unemployment while he was employed and falsely claiming he's multi-millionaire on federal filings.
He's insisted he'll be exonerated, but on Friday, he walked in and out of court silently.
Asked if they'd be satisfied with a plea deal, constituents there said only if that if the plea includes immediate resignation from Congress.
The charges he faces carry a maximum penalty of 20 years if convicted.