Former Congressman George Santos, a Republican from New York, pleaded guilty on Monday to charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse, Santos stated that his decision to enter a guilty plea was the “right thing to do” and emphasized the need for accountability for his actions.
Wearing gray slacks and a black sports coat, Santos addressed the court, expressing his commitment to making amends and learning from his experience. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 7.
The charges against Santos stem from allegations that he falsely claimed relatives had contributed to his campaign in order to meet fundraising requirements for financial support from the National Republican Congressional Committee. He also admitted to committing other fraudulent acts, including unauthorized credit card charges and misrepresenting the use of donations for TV ads. Additionally, he acknowledged receiving unemployment benefits during the pandemic that he was not entitled to.
Santos’s actions, as he admitted in court, “betrayed” his constituents. He faces possible prison time of 75 to 87 months, including a mandatory minimum of two years for the identity theft charge, and is required to pay nearly $374,000 in restitution alongside the forfeiture of more than $200,000.
Outside the courthouse and visibly emotional, Santos expressed deep regret for his conduct and conveyed his desire to regain the trust of his constituents. He admitted that his ambition had led him to make unethical decisions and acknowledged failing to meet the standards expected of him as a representative.
Santos’s lawyers indicated that he currently lacks the funds to pay the required restitution, which he must provide 30 days prior to sentencing. However, they asserted that he would make efforts to gather the necessary funds in the forthcoming months. If Santos fails to pay the restitution on time, he could face further penalties.
In May 2023, Santos was charged with 13 counts related to wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds, and making false statements to the House of Representatives. He initially pleaded not guilty, with a trial scheduled for September. He also faced additional charges in October 2023, further complicating his legal troubles.
Santos survived a vote to expel him from Congress in November 2023 but faced diminishing support from within his party following a damaging report from the House Ethics Committee, which characterized him as untrustworthy.
On December 1, 2023, Santos became only the sixth member of Congress to be expelled, having represented New York’s 3rd Congressional District since January 2020. His recent attempts to recover politically by seeking representation of New York’s 1st Congressional District were abandoned in April.
Following Santos’s plea, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace condemned his actions as a “fraud of unprecedented proportions,” highlighting the significance of Santos finally admitting the truth about his misconduct.