George Santos Calls Federal Indictment 'Witch Hunt,' Deflects to Bide

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12:41 PM PT -- Rep. George Santos came out swinging during a press conference Wednesday -- this on the heels of him being arrested ... and he says he'll fight this case, which he calls a "witch hunt."

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The NY congressman was surrounded by media in his home state as he addressed the indictment against him -- which alleges he's partaken in wire fraud and money laundering, among other criminal charges. Santos says he's innocent, and will prove so in court.

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5/10/23 IT'S A WITCH HUNT!!! UPDATE

He says he has evidence that he'll fork over to prosecutors to clear his name, but was a little wishy-washy on what exactly that might be. Another highlight from his presser -- his whataboutism on President Biden and his family ... who he says are more guilty than him.

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Finally, Santos says he will not resign ... and plans to continue his reelection campaign.

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11:28 AM PT -- TMZ has confirmed George Santos pled not guilty and has been released on $500,000 bond.

George Santos has just been arrested for a variety of alleged misdeeds, including lying.

Santos has been charged with 13 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds and making false statements to the House of Representatives.

Santos was taken into custody by the FBI and is expected to be arraigned later today.

U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said when the indictment was unsealed, he "seeks to hold Santos accountable for various alleged fraudulent schemes and brazen misrepresentations," adding, "He used political contributions to line his pockets, unlawfully applied for unemployment benefits that should have gone to New Yorkers who had lost their jobs due to the pandemic, and lied to the House of Representatives."

Santos has been caught in a web of lies since his election victory last November. Some of his Republican colleagues wanted him expelled, but the leadership was radio silent on the issue.

Gallery Launch Gallery George Santos Hard At Work Launch Gallery Getty

According to the indictment, 2 of his supporters each transferred $25,000 to an account that was supposed to go to his campaign but was then transferred to a personal account. Santos allegedly used the funds to buy designer clothes and withdraw cash for personal debts.