Central Islip, New York: Former US Representative George Santos pleaded guilty on Monday (US time) to committing wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with the federal fraud case that led to his expulsion from Congress. The New York Republican entered the plea in a courtroom in Long Island just weeks before his trial was set to begin in early September. Former US Representative George Santos arrives at court in Central Islip, NY.
Credit: AP Santos was indicted on felony charges that he stole from political donors, used campaign contributions to pay for personal expenses, lied to Congress about his wealth and collected unemployment benefits while actually working. Santos was expelled from the US House after an ethics investigation found “overwhelming evidence” that he had broken the law and exploited his public position for his own profit. “I deeply regret my conduct and the harm it has caused and accept full responsibility for my actions,” Santos said in court, his voice shaking as he read from a prepared statement.
Santos is set to be sentenced on February 7. He could face as much as 22 years in prison, and waived his right to appeal any sentence less than 95 months - just under eight years - as part of a plea deal with federal prosecutors. George Santos leaves the Capitol after being expelled from the House of Representatives in 2023.
Credit: AP Santos was hit with federal charges in May 2023 for laundering campaign funds to pay for his personal exp.