Judge orders unsealing of GOP Rep. Santos's bond sponsors on Thursday

A judge on Tuesday ordered that the names of New York Republican Rep. George Santos's bond sponsors be unsealed on Thursday, providing his sureties a short window to withdraw their support prior to the public revelation of their identities.

The Republican lawmaker has pleaded not guilty on 13 counts and secured release on $500,000 bond, which three individuals posted. Santos had sought to keep their names hidden and his attorney previously indicated that the lawmaker would prefer to remain in custody until his trial rather than allow their identities to become public.

U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert issued the order to identify the sureties at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, though they may withdraw from their roles prior to that deadline, The Hill reported. Should they do so, Santos may " move to modify the conditions of his release," Seybert wrote in the order. At present, the Republican lawmaker may only travel between New York and Washington, D.C., without prior court approval.

Santos attorney Joseph Murray, earlier this month, asked another judge to keep their identities private after a group of media organizations sought to determine the names of his sureties. He had argued that the media attention surrounding the case presented an environment in which the sureties could face threats if their names become public.

"[W]e truly fear for their health, safety and well being," he said at the time.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.