George Santos, the former congressman currently facing federal fraud charges, has been granted permission by a judge to make regular visits to the Poconos, a popular vacation destination in Pennsylvania.
Santos’ attorney requested that he be allowed to make weekly trips to the Mt. Pocono area, specifically to the town of Tobyhanna, as part of his summer plans.
As a condition of his release while awaiting trial, Santos’ travel is restricted to New York City, Long Island, and Washington, D.C., as well as other trips provided he gives advance notice to the government. Although Santos had already been cleared to visit the Poconos, his legal team sought permission for him to make weekly trips this summer without submitting frequent travel requests to the judge.
When asked about his summer plans in the Poconos, Santos’ lawyer declined to comment. Santos himself, when reached by text message, did not disclose the purpose of his visits, instead responding with, “Slow news day?”
Santos is currently facing numerous criminal charges, including defrauding donors and lying to Congress, to which he has pleaded not guilty. In December, he was expelled from the House after an ethics committee report found “overwhelming evidence” of lawbreaking. This made Santos only the sixth member in the history of the chamber to be expelled by his colleagues.
The Poconos, known for their natural beauty and outdoor activities, have long been a popular summer destination for New Yorkers looking to escape the city’s heat and bustle. With Santos now set to join the ranks of those making regular visits to the area, it remains to be seen how his presence will be received by locals and fellow vacationers alike.
As Santos continues to face legal challenges and the fallout from his expulsion from Congress, his summer plans in the Poconos may provide a temporary respite from the ongoing scrutiny surrounding his actions.
However, the serious nature of the charges against him ensures that his legal battles will likely continue to overshadow any attempts at rest and relaxation.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.