WASHINGTON - Former Congressman George Santos was released from federal custody Wednesday after posting a $500,000 bond, following his indictment on charges of wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds, and making false statements to the House of Representatives. The order for his release came directly from former President Donald Trump, who reportedly intervened in the case citing concerns about “political persecution.”
Santos, expelled from the House in December 2023 after revelations of widespread fraud and deception, faces potential decades in prison if convicted. His case has drawn national attention, not only for the scale of the alleged crimes but also for the unprecedented nature of a sitting member of Congress being ousted from office. The intervention by Trump adds another layer of complexity to a case already steeped in political controversy, raising questions about the potential for executive influence in ongoing legal proceedings. Santos’s release is conditional, requiring him to surrender his passport and adhere to strict travel restrictions while awaiting trial, currently scheduled for September.
the charges stem from allegations that Santos defrauded donors, illegally received unemployment benefits, and falsified financial disclosures during his 2022 campaign and subsequent time in office. Prosecutors allege he used campaign funds for personal expenses, including designer clothing and rent. Santos initially maintained his innocence but has since offered limited cooperation with investigators.
His political ascent was quickly overshadowed by scrutiny of his background, with reports revealing meaningful discrepancies in his resume and claims about his education, career, and family history. Elected to represent a new york district in the 2022 midterm elections, Santos became a vocal supporter of Trump, a relationship that appears to have factored into the former president’s decision to intervene in his release. He was the third member of Congress in over 150 years to be expelled from the House.