Rep. George Santos’ legal representative asserted that the embattled New York Republican is willing to undergo incarceration to safeguard the anonymity of those who cosigned his $500,000 bond, which allowed his pretrial release.
The attorney, Joseph Murray, appealed to a judge to reject a demand by media entities to disclose the names of Santos’ bond co-signatories, also known as surveyors or guarantors. Murray inferred that these individuals could face severe repercussions, including potential employment termination and physical harm, should their identities become public knowledge.
“Rather than expose these suitors to inevitable harm, my client is prepared to accept pretrial confinement,” expressed Murray in a written communication to U.S. Magistrate Judge Anne Shields.
Should she choose to reveal the identities, Murray implored Judge Shields to grant them an opportunity to rescind their signature. The essences have remained undisclosed on the public court registry per Murray’s plea.
Murray, Santos, and his team have reportedly been the target of menacing and intrusive communications, incorporating death threats. An incident on Friday saw the lawyer receive a call enquiring who had underwritten Santos’ bond. Murray expressed his anxiety that those against Santos are primed to attack the people supporting his release.
“Our sincere concern lies with their health, safety, and welfare,” penned Murray.
On May 10, Santos pleaded not guilty to a 13-charge indictment alleging that he deceived contributors, misappropriated campaign funds, lied to Congress about his financial status, and fraudulently obtained undeserved unemployment benefits. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 30.
Despite calls to resign, the 34-year-old representative from parts of Queens and Long Island remains steadfast in his position and his intention to run for a second term.
Prosecutors have not yet stated a position regarding the request to reveal the identities.
In a previous week’s letter, a media representative implored the judge to publicize the names of Santos’ bond suitors, arguing for the utmost transparency in these proceedings to satisfy the compelling public interest.
The New York Times initiated the appeal to Judge Shields to unseal the identities on May 23, with other media companies, including The Associated Press, joining shortly after.
Separately, the House Ethics Committee sought the identification of Santos’ bond cosigners in a letter dated May 16.
Murray indicated that three financially capable cosigners initially agreed to stand as suitors for Santos, but one withdrew, and the remaining two failed to appear at his arraignment.
As a result, they had to resort to “other confidential arrangements” to secure Santos’ release, Murray noted.
Santos’ bond is unsecured, indicating his cosigners did not need to provide any funds upfront, but could be held liable for the total amount should Santos violate his release conditions or fail to attend court.
The standoff continues as Santos, refusing calls to step down, battles legal and ethical inquiries. The decision to unseal the identities of the bond cosigners now lies with the court, potentially escalating the controversy and further impacting those involved. As the case unfolds, it’s clear that the ripple effects will touch the political world and the lives of the anonymous suitors who supported Santos’ pretrial release.
