A New York judge has ruled to disclose the identities of Rep. George Santos' bail guarantors. Unless the embattled congressman requests a modification to his release terms, the names will be made public on Thursday. This decision comes after several media organizations pushed for transparency, arguing for the public's right to know who backed Santos' $500,000 bond following his 13-count indictment. The charges include allegations of defrauding donors, misappropriating campaign funds, lying to Congress, and fraudulently obtaining unemployment benefits.
Santos' lawyer, Joseph Murray, previously stated that the guarantors are family members and not individuals seeking to exert political influence. He has expressed concerns about potential threats to their safety, citing a "media frenzy" and hostile messages directed at Santos and his team. Murray had initially argued against revealing the names, suggesting Santos would prefer jail time to jeopardizing his family. He emphasized to the court the "hateful attacks" and threats received since Santos' arrest, highlighting the volatile nature of the situation.
Rep. George Santos (R-NY) addresses reporters outside the Capitol following an expulsion attempt. He aims to shield his family, who acted as his bond cosigners, from public scrutiny. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
Rep. George Santos (R-NY) en route to a House Republican Caucus meeting at the Capitol. Despite facing federal indictment for fraud and money laundering, Santos has resisted calls to resign. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Rep. George Santos (R-NY) on the House floor during the vote on the Secure the Border Act of 2023. He is currently under federal indictment. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
The House Ethics Committee, which is conducting its own investigation into Santos, is also seeking to identify the individuals who secured his release. The committee is examining whether the arrangement violated House gift rules. The New York Times initially pursued the release of the guarantors' names, asserting the public's First Amendment right to access this information, particularly given the potential for political influence.
