Santos Won't Resign In Wake Of 13-Count Indictment; Calls 'Witch Hunt'

CENTRAL ISLIP, NY — Rep. George Santos pleaded not guilty in federal court on Wednesday afternoon to a 13-count indictment.

The first-term congressman was charged with seven counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering, two counts of making false statements to the House and one count of theft of public funds

Santos was released on a $500,000 bond.

As he left the courthouse in Central Islip, a defiant Santos told reporters the case is a "witch hunt."

Santos said he will not resign and is still planning to run for re-election next year.

"I have no desire not to comply at this point," he said.

"The allegations in the indictment charge Santos with relying on repeated dishonesty and deception to ascend to the halls of Congress and enrich himself," said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace. "Taken together, the allegations in the indictment charge Santos with relying on repeated dishonesty and deception to ascend to the halls of Congress and enrich himself. He used political contributions to line his pockets, unlawfully applied for unemployment benefits that should have gone to New Yorkers who had lost their jobs due to the pandemic, and lied to the House of Representatives."

Prosecutors accuse Santos of lying to supporters who believed their cash would support his campaign, but instead bought the soon-to-be U.S. Congress member luxury designer clothes.

"It makes no sense that in four months, I'm indicted," Santos said. "I'm going to fight the witch hunt. I'm going to take care of clearing my name."

The congressman said he has "plenty of evidence" that will be shared with the government.

Santos told reporters that he'll "keep fighting for what I believe in. I'm going to keep fighting to represent my district. I'm going to keep fighting to deliver results, and now I have to keep fighting to defend my innocence."

His next scheduled court appearance is June 30.