George Santos pleads not guilty to fraud and money laundering

New York congressman known for lying appears in federal court on charges also including theft of public funds

The Republican congressman George Santos, exposed for lying extensively about his background and campaign finance disclosures, on Wednesday pleaded not guilty in federal court in New York to multiple charges of fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds and making false statements.

Santos denies all 13 counts and was released on a $500,000 bond, though US magistrate judge Arlene Lindsay forced Santos to surrender his passport and ordered him to give notice for any travel outside Long Island, New York City and Washington, DC, where he was expected to return almost immediately.