Embattled Rep. George Santos (R-NY) is refusing to take a plea deal amid the legal maelstrom he has been in since earlier this year. Santos, who has vehemently maintained his innocence, was indicted on 10 new felony counts, adding to the 13 charges brought against him in May.
The new charges against him include allegations of conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, access device fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, making false statements to the Federal Election Commission and falsifying records to obstruct the FEC.
Despite the mounting legal pressure, Santos stands resolute, refusing to entertain a plea deal. When reporters brought up the idea on Wednesday, he boldly declared, “The answer is no. I will not take a plea deal.”
He also refuses to step down from his position, vowing to continue serving his constituents.
In response to the indictment, a group of six New York Republican freshman lawmakers has taken the step of introducing an “expulsion resolution” aimed at removing Santos from office.
Not mincing words in his response to the expulsion resolution, Santos criticized those supporting the move as “anti-American…WEAK RINOs.”
He warned that his expulsion would mark a troubling chapter in American politics, accusing his colleagues of hypocrisy and projecting false narratives. In his own words, “Remember if I’m in fact ousted fascism will officially be well and alive in the United States of America and these members will be the champions of it.”
George Santos Threatens Other Republicans After He’s Indicted On 23 Counts https://t.co/f93UIzqYTV pic.twitter.com/4q174BVQ1j
— Daily Wire News (@DailyWireNews) October 12, 2023
“I do want to remind my dear colleagues who all but one have deep long troubling careers in politics that I will have a lot of time on my hands to return the favor in the most expedient fashion mankind has ever seen,” he added.
Per Politico, the Congressman seemingly dared his critics to proceed with their expulsion efforts, asserting that such a move would have consequences not only for those seeking his removal but for the GOP’s overall standing.
“They can try to expel me, but I pity the fools that go ahead and do that and think that that’s the smartest idea. They’re in tough elections next year, but they’re setting precedent for the future,” he said.
He further emphasized that his involvement in campaign finances was limited, pointing to his former campaign treasurer, Nancy Marks, who pleaded guilty to crimes related to the case last Thursday. Santos distanced himself from the financial aspects of his campaign, asserting, “I’m just saying it wasn’t me. I didn’t handle the finances. That is why you pay treasurers and fundraisers.”
