In an unanticipated turn of events, New York Republican Representative George Santos has appointed himself as the treasurer of his campaign committee. This announcement follows months of mystery and confusion over the campaign’s filings with federal authorities.
The update was officially registered late Friday afternoon with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). The declaration arrives on the heels of federal prosecutors presenting a 13-count criminal indictment against Santos just over a week ago. The charges include wire fraud, fraudulent procurement of Covid-19 unemployment benefits, and the provision of false personal finance information on forms submitted to the US House of Representatives during his candidacy. Santos has refuted the accusations and pleaded not guilty.
Attempts by CNN to seek comments from Santos’ lawyer and a campaign aide on Friday evening yielded no immediate response.
In the past, there has been speculation over the identity of Santos’ campaign treasurer. Earlier this year, his campaign introduced a new treasurer named Andrew Olson. However, no evidence could be found in federal or state records of anyone named Andrew Olson serving as treasurer for any federal committees or political committees active in New York state.
During Olson’s tenure as treasurer, the address linked to him and Santos’ campaign was that of a multi-use residential and commercial building in Elmhurst, New York. This location was previously the residence of Santos’ sister.
A few weeks ago, the watchdog organization Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington submitted a complaint to the FEC. The group questioned the existence of Andrew Olson and sought an investigation into possible violations of campaign finance laws due to his listing as treasurer.
The law states that a political committee cannot raise or spend funds without a treasurer. Although it’s legally permissible for candidates to act as their own campaign treasurers, it is an unusual occurrence.
Santos’ campaign filings have been subjected to intense examination since his arrival in Washington. Among the scrutinized issues are multiple campaign expenses listed at $199.99 – just a cent below the level at which campaigns must keep receipts – and the uncertainty surrounding the identity of the person filing in the role of treasurer.
In one instance on January 25, Santos’ campaign reported a Wisconsin political consultant as the replacement for the congressman’s longstanding treasurer, Nancy Marks. However, the consultant’s lawyer claimed the campaign had made the switch without his client’s approval, who had declined the position.
On January 31, Marks informed the FEC of her resignation. Later that same day, the first Santos report bearing Olson’s electronic signature was submitted.
Santos has previously argued that he bears no responsibility for the filings. He clarified his stance to CNN earlier this year, stating, “I don’t touch any of my FEC stuff. So don’t insinuate that I did, because you know that every campaign hires fiduciaries.”
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