WASHINGTON — The father and aunt of Rep. George Santos, RN.Y., guaranteed his $500,000 bail after he was indicted last month on more than a dozen federal charges, a source familiar with the matter confirmed to NBC News on Thursday.
The congressman’s father, Gercino Dos Santos, and his aunt, Elma Santos Preven, were the guarantors of the bond. They did not have to provide money in advance; They are only required to pay if Santos violates the terms of his release.
Their names, first reported by ABC NewsThey were confirmed minutes before a New York federal court released a document shortly after noon Thursday showing the signatures of relatives.
US District Judge Joanna Seybert had ordered their identities made public.
Santos’ lawyer had previously argued that revealing the names of the co-signers would put them in a position where they would likely «suffer great distress, could lose their jobs and God forbid, could suffer physical injury.»
On Thursday, Santos told reporters at the Capitol that he kept their identities secret because he was concerned for their safety.
Asked if his family members had the money to guarantee bail, Santos said: «Don’t you think that’s a bit invasive? That’s exactly why I chose to keep their identities safe. My dad is a honest worker, just like my aunt.»
Several media organizations, including NBCUniversal News Group, had requested that the court unseal and make public the documents listing the bonds’ guarantors, known as sureties.