Former Representative 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, he expressed that entering the plea was the “right thing to do,” stating, “This plea is not just an admission of guilt. It’s an acknowledgment that I need to be held accountable like any other American that breaks the law.”
Dressed in gray slacks and a black sports coat, Santos informed the judge of his commitment to making amends and learning from his missteps. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 7.
Santos admitted to falsely claiming that relatives had contributed to his campaign, knowing that they had not, in an effort to meet fundraising requirements for financial backing from the National Republican Congressional Committee. Additionally, he acknowledged unauthorized charges on donor credit cards and misled donors by asserting that their contributions would be utilized for television advertisements. He also confessed to fraudulently obtaining unemployment benefits during the pandemic.
In his court statement, Santos recognized that his actions had “betrayed” not only his constituents but others as well. Beyond the possibility of prison time, Santos is ordered to pay nearly $374,000 in restitution and forfeit over $200,000.
Upon leaving the courthouse, visibly emotional, Santos conveyed his “deep regret” for his actions and expressed a desire to rectify the damage done to his constituents. He took full responsibility for his conduct and articulated aspirations to help restore the integrity he compromised.
Despite his assurances of accountability, his defense attorneys raised concerns regarding his ability to pay the substantial restitution, indicating that he presently lacked the funds. Santos will be required to provide this payment 30 days ahead of his sentencing, with potential repercussions for non-compliance.
Santos, now 36, faced multiple charges beginning in May 2023 for several counts, including wire fraud and making false statements. Following further charges in October 2023, he had entered a not guilty plea, with a trial initially set for September. Earlier in July, a judge dismissed his attempt to have some charges dropped.
Two associates of Santos have already pleaded guilty to related offenses, while his position among fellow Republicans shifted following the release of a critical report from the House Ethics Committee. This report characterized him as untrustworthy, claiming he prioritized personal gain over his constitutional duties.
Santos was ultimately expelled from Congress on December 1, 2023, after previously surviving an expulsion vote. He had served New York’s 3rd Congressional District since January 2020. His comeback attempt to represent New York’s 1st Congressional District was cut short in April.
After the court proceedings, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace remarked that Santos’ crimes represented “a fraud of unprecedented proportions,” suggesting that for the first time, Santos was being truthful about his criminal conduct.