Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) pleaded not guilty on May 10 to charges that he defrauded donors, stole from his campaign, and lied to Congress about being a millionaire, all while collecting unemployment benefits for which he did not qualify.
Five hours after turning himself into authorities on Long Island to face charges of wire fraud, money laundering, misappropriation of public funds, and making false statements to Congress, Santos, 34, was released on a $500,000 bond following his arraignment.
If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
The 13-count federal indictment against Santos was a reckoning for a web of deception and deceit that, according to prosecutors, coincided with his public image as an affluent businessman….