(NewsNation) — U.S. Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., pleaded not guilty to charges including wire fraud and unemployment fraud. His bond was set at $500,000 and the next court date in the case is set for June 30.
Santos was taken into custody after being indicted on 13 charges and was arraigned at a federal court in New York on Wednesday afternoon. Speaking to reporters, Santos vowed to fight to prove his innocence and said he still plans to run for reelection in 2024.
After the hearing, Santos said he was returning to Congress in order to be present for a vote on the GOP’s border bill. He thanked Republican leadership for their patience as the case plays out.
The U.S. representative from New York is facing multiple charges related to numerous lies he told during his campaign. While many voters and some lawmakers called on Santos to resign, he refused. Santos was sworn in as a congressman in January even as additional information continued to surface.
The indictment includes five counts of wire fraud and three counts of unlawful monetary transaction, which relate to donations to Santos’ campaign that were allegedly used for personal expenses and purchases.
Santos is also facing three charges for theft of public money or unemployment fraud. The indictment claims Santos applied for and received unemployment assistance, including additional pandemic benefits, despite still receiving a salary of $120,000.
The final two counts are for false statements on House disclosure reports. He is accused of failing to report financial information required by law and of misrepresenting his actual finances.
If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.