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On August 19, former New York Representative George Santos pleaded guilty to two federal charges, including wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. This plea deal means Santos, who was previously scheduled to face trial next month, will now serve jail time instead.
Having admitted to various deceitful actions, Santos told reporters outside the courthouse, “My actions have betrayed the trust of my supporters and constituents.” He acknowledged that his pursuit of ambition clouded his judgment, leading to unethical decisions.
Santos, 36, was expelled from the U.S. House of Representatives last December. He is set to be sentenced on February 7 at the federal court in Central Islip, New York, with a potential six to eight years of imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace, speaking to the press, described Santos’s courtroom confession as a moment of truth where he admitted to lying, stealing, and conning people. “Santos’ countless lies and audacious misrepresentations catapulted him to Congress,” Peace stated, adding that Santos’s actions deprived his community of honest representation.
During his court appearance, Santos confessed to misuse of donor funds, which he spent on personal luxuries including designer clothing, Botox treatments, and subscriptions to OnlyFans. Furthermore, he admitted to providing false information to the Federal Election Commission and also accepted his involvement in wire fraud during 2022.
Under his plea agreement, Santos consented to repay at least $373,000. This comes after an initial denial of any wrongdoing in October when he pleaded not guilty to similar charges. After his expulsion from Congress, Santos briefly considered contesting for another congressional seat in New York’s 1st District, but withdrew from the race a month later.
Santos is the sixth member ever to be removed from the House. An ethics report leading to his ouster detailed substantial evidence of repeated legal violations while he claimed innocence. The plea agreement ensures Santos serves a minimum of two years in prison.
Reflecting on his situation in December, Santos told CBS New York about the daunting reality of facing jail time. “I think everybody should be afraid of going to jail.
It’s not a pretty place,” he expressed. Santos also said, “Pleading guilty is a step I never imagined I’d take, but it is a necessary one because it is the right thing to do,” highlighting his journey toward admitting both personal and public misrepresentations.