Prosecutors seek delay of conference on Santos ‘to discuss possible paths forward’
Justice Department also asks to delay a status conference on former Santos fundraiser
Prosecutors handling the federal criminal case of Rep. George Santos want to push back the date of a status conference by more than a month, noting both the government and Santos are continuing discussions on how to move forward.
“The parties have continued to discuss possible paths forward in this matter. The parties wish to have additional time to continue those discussions,” prosecutors wrote in a Tuesday filing.
Santos, a first term Republican from New York, is charged with 13 crimes, including fraud, money laundering and lying on financial disclosure forms.
Attorneys for the Justice Department asked U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert to reschedule the status conference from Thursday to Oct. 27 in Central Islip, New York. The lawyers noted that Santos has been looking through the voluminous discovery materials since the last status conference on June 30, and needs more time to finish his review.
The government also plans to turn over another large batch of materials to Santos this week, which Santos’ lawyer indicated he would need more time on.
The proposed order, which becomes effective if it’s signed by the judge, says Santos and the government are “engaged in discussions regarding possible paths forward in this matter.”
A Santos spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.
Prosecutors on Tuesday also asked to delay a status conference for another defendant that was scheduled for Tuesday to Oct. 6. Samuel Miele is a former fundraiser for Santos’ campaign who is facing charges for wire fraud and identity theft.
In an August filing, the parties noted that “meaningful discussions about possible dispositions of this matter,” were happening.