NEW YORK (NEWSnet/AP) — A federal magistrate ruled Tuesday to make public the names of the cosigners on indicted Rep. George Santos’ $500,000 release bond, but the information can stay secret pending appeal.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Anne Shields’ ruling came after Santos’ lawyer said the New York Republican would risk going to jail to protect the identities of his cosigners whose backing enabled his pretrial release. She gave Murray until 12 p.m. Friday to appeal.

The decision was a victory for news outlets that had petitioned Shields last week to unseal the names, citing a need for “the greatest transparency possible.”

Santos’ lawyer, Joseph Murray, suggested that the congressman’s cosigners could “suffer great distress,” including possible job losses and physical harm, if they’re identified publicly.

Santos, 34, represents parts of Queens and Long Island. He pleaded not guilty May 10 to charges he duped donors, stole from his campaign, lied to Congress about being a millionaire and cheated to collect unemployment benefits he didn’t deserve.

He has defied calls to resign and has said he won’t drop his bid for a second term.

He is due back in court on June 30.

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