CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. — Former U.S. Representative George Santos is requesting that potential jurors in his upcoming September fraud trial be questioned about their views on him.
This request is one of several issues a judge will consider during a hearing on Tuesday in federal court on Long Island. Santos has pleaded not guilty to various financial crimes, including lying to Congress about his wealth, collecting unemployment benefits while employed, and using campaign contributions for personal expenses like designer clothing.
Santos’ lawyers argue in recent court filings that a questionnaire is necessary due to extensive negative media coverage. Santos, who was expelled from Congress in December after an ethics investigation, has been the subject of over 1,500 news articles and even a Saturday Night Live skit. They argue that similar questionnaires have been used in other high-profile cases, such as the trial of drug kingpin Joaquín El Chapo Guzmán.
“Given the extensive and prejudicial media coverage, potential jurors may already have formed negative opinions about Santos, jeopardizing his right to a fair trial,” the defense memo states.
However, prosecutors oppose this request, calling it a delay tactic. They note that the trial date was set over nine months ago, and 850 potential jurors have already been summoned for September 9. They also argue that Santos’ public image is largely self-inflicted, as he has actively sought media attention.
His attempt to complicate and delay these proceedings through a lengthy and time-consuming questionnaire is yet another example of Santos using his public persona as both a sword and a shield, prosecutors wrote.
Santos’ lawyers have also requested a partially anonymous jury, with juror identities only known to the judge, attorneys, and both parties, due to the high-profile nature of the case. Prosecutors do not object to this request.
Additionally, prosecutors are seeking to introduce evidence of lies Santos made during his campaign, such as false claims about graduating from New York University and Baruch College and working at Citigroup and Goldman Sachs. They argue that these fabrications are closely tied to the criminal charges he faces.
Santos’ lawyers have not commented on this request.
Last month, federal Judge Joanna Seybert denied Santos’ request to dismiss three of the 23 charges against him. In April, Santos also dropped his attempt to return to Congress as an independent candidate.
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