Representative George Santos (R-NY) was released on a $500,000 bond|Public Domain
The Republican New York Congressman George Santos on Wednesday pleaded not guilty in federal court to 13 counts of fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds and making false statements.
He was released on a $500,000 bond.
Judge Arlene Lindsay forced Santos to surrender his passport and ordered him to give notice for travel outside Long Island, New York City and Washington, DC.
After the order, Santos used Trump-like rhetoric to attack the case as a conspiracy to destroy him politically.
The NY republican reportedly lied in his resume about degrees from New York University and Baruch College.
Santos has also fabricated his work experience at Goldman Sachs and Citigroup. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 30.