Disgraced Former Rep. George Santos’ Fraud Trial Set To Begin As Side Hustle Selling Drag Videos On Cameo Takes Off

The upcoming fraud trial of former Rep. George Santos (R-New York) is set to proceed with heightened security and scrutiny. A federal judge on Tuesday ruled that jurors’ identities will remain confidential during the trial, which is scheduled to commence on Sept. 9. Given the high-profile nature of the case, this measure is aimed at protecting jurors from external pressures.

Judge Joanna Seybert clarified that while juror anonymity is secured, the request for a written questionnaire to gauge jurors’ opinions on Santos will not be granted. The judge sided with the prosecution’s argument that such a questionnaire could complicate the trial process. Instead, Seybert emphasized that in-person questioning would allow for more comprehensive and revealing interactions with potential jurors.

The trial, expected to last around three weeks, will feature testimony from over 30 witnesses, including alleged victims of Santos’ purported crimes. Santos, who has pleaded not guilty, faces charges ranging from misrepresenting his financial status to using campaign funds for personal luxuries.

Prosecutors have indicated that the extensive witness list and evidence might lengthen the trial. They also criticized the defense’s handling of pretrial document sharing, claiming they have provided over 1.3 million pages of records compared to the defense’s five pages. Santos’ legal team has countered these claims, asserting they have submitted all relevant documents.

Santos’ legal team had previously argued that a written questionnaire was necessary due to the extensive negative media coverage surrounding their client, who was expelled from Congress in December. They pointed to many news articles and media portrayals, including a Saturday Night Live sketch, contributing to a biased public perception. They compared their request to similar measures in other high-profile cases, such as Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán’s trial.

Prosecutors, however, dismissed the defense’s concerns as attempts to delay the trial, noting that the trial date was set nine months ago and a substantial number of potential jurors have already been summoned. They also suggested that the negative media coverage is a consequence of Santos’ actions, including his engagement with the press.

Judge Seybert requested a partially anonymous jury, with juror identities known only to the judge and the attorneys involved. The prosecution also seeks to introduce evidence of Santos’ false claims during his 2022 campaign, including fabricated educational and professional achievements.

Santos’ request to dismiss three of the 23 charges against him was previously denied, and he has since abandoned a bid to return to Congress as an independent. The case is poised to attract significant public and media attention as it unfolds.

Since being expelled from Congress, the former congressman has been busy. He has been making money selling videos on the Cameo platform with his drag persona and has opened an account on an adult-themed social media platform.