Two former senior [Federal Bureau of Investigation](https://www.fbi.gov) officials, Nikki Floris, 46, and Bradley Benavides, 56, have been indicted for providing false statements to Congress regarding their involvement with the investigation into [Hunter Biden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter_Biden)’s laptop during the 2020 election, a charge announced by the [U.S. Department of Justice](https://www.justice.gov) on X on October 23.
**What are the specific accusations?**
The indictment, released by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, says both Floris and Benavides surrendered to authorities on Friday, October 23, after arrest warrants were issued. Each faces a single count of making false statements to the House Committee that was probing the laptop matter.
Prosecutors contend that, contrary to the testimony given to lawmakers, one of the former agents claimed he first learned about the laptop inquiry from a Wikipedia entry. Internal evidence, however, indicates the two officials helped shape the public narrative surrounding the laptop before the 2020 election, suggesting a deliberate effort to influence perception.
**When is the next court date?**
Both men made their initial appearances before a federal judge on the same Friday. A subsequent hearing has been set for Tuesday, October 27, where the court will consider pre‑trial matters and potential bail conditions.
Legal representation for Floris has denied any wrongdoing, describing the former agent as a “patriot” who is being falsely accused “on the say‑so of politicians.” The defense maintains that the charges are politically motivated and lack substantive proof.
The indictment arrives as the United States approaches the 2026 midterm elections, though the allegations remain unproven pending trial. If convicted, each defendant could face up to five years in prison for violating 18 U.S.C. § 1001, the statute governing false statements to federal officials.