Former U.S. Rep. George Santos is requesting potential jurors in his upcoming fraud trial to be questioned regarding their opinions of him. The judge is set to address this and other matters during a hearing in federal court in Long Island. Santos has pleaded not guilty to various financial crimes, including deceiving Congress about his wealth, receiving unemployment benefits while working, and misusing campaign funds for personal expenses such as luxury clothing.
Santos’ attorneys argue that due to extensive negative media coverage surrounding him, a detailed questionnaire about potential jurors’ knowledge and beliefs is necessary. They mention over 1,500 articles from major news outlets and even a “Saturday Night Live” skit about Santos. The defense asserts that Santos has been presumed guilty in the court of public opinion, potentially jeopardizing his right to a fair trial.
Prosecutors oppose Santos’ request, claiming it is a delay tactic as the trial date was established over nine months ago, and hundreds of potential jurors have already been summoned. They argue that Santos has contributed to his public perception by seeking media attention. The defense also seeks a partially anonymous jury, with individual juror identities known only to the judge, both legal teams, and their attorneys due to the case’s high profile.
In response to the defense’s request, prosecutors aim to present evidence of false statements Santos made during his campaign, such as incorrect claims about his education and work history. They argue that these fabrications are intertwined with the criminal charges he is facing. Santos’ lawyers have not commented on this aspect of the prosecution’s request. The judge recently denied Santos’ motion to dismiss three of the 23 charges against him.
In a separate development, Santos abandoned a bid to return to Congress as an independent candidate in April. Concerning these legal proceedings, Santos’ lawyers did not respond to a request for comment. The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, where these and other issues will be addressed in preparation for the trial in September.
