George Santos files appeal to keep names of those who helped post $500,000 bond sealed

Washington — Rep. George Santos, Republican of New York, filed an 8-page appeal Friday seeking to keep sealed the names of those who helped him make the $500,000 bond in his federal criminal fraud case.

Submitting the filing just before the noon deadline, Santos' lawyers argue that the people who helped him post the bond would likely have to withdraw from serving as his bond supporters if their names are released. This, Santos says, could force him into pre-trial detention or impose upon him onerous release conditions. 

The court filing includes a passage stating that Santos "has essentially publicly revealed that the suretors are family members and not lobbyists, donors or others seeking to exert influence over the Defendant."