Former Congressman George Santos, a Republican from New York, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft on Monday, asserting that his decision was the “right thing to do.” Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse, Santos emphasized that the plea represented not only an admission of guilt but also a commitment to accountability for his actions.
Dressed in gray slacks and a black blazer, Santos expressed his dedication to making amends and learning from his conduct in court. He is scheduled for sentencing on February 7.
Santos admitted to misrepresenting campaign contributions from family members and acknowledged that he tried to meet fundraising requirements for financial support from the National Republican Congressional Committee. He also confessed to unauthorized charges on donor credit cards and misleading donors about the use of their contributions.
Moreover, Santos disclosed that he fraudulently claimed unemployment benefits during the pandemic, which he was not entitled to receive. He recognized that his actions had betrayed the trust of his constituents.
He faces restitution payments of nearly $374,000 and the forfeiture of over $200,000, alongside a potential prison sentence of 75 to 87 months, including a mandatory two-year term for the identity theft charge.
After the plea, Santos shared his feelings of deep regret, vowing to take full responsibility for his actions and apologizing to constituents for letting ambition interfere with his judgment. He expressed his desire to help restore the integrity that he compromised through his wrongdoing.
While Santos aims to pay the mandated restitution before sentencing, his legal team indicated that he currently lacks the funds. His lawyers assured the court of their intention to make efforts to address the financial obligation, as failure to comply could lead to further repercussions.
Santos, 36, had previously been indicted on multiple counts related to fraud and false statements. He initially pleaded not guilty before changing his plea. His case was marked by several ethics violations, leading to calls for his expulsion from Congress, a vote he narrowly survived before ultimately being expelled in December 2023.
In comments following the plea, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace described Santos’ actions as a “fraud of unprecedented proportions,” marking a significant moment in his legal troubles.