Former New York Congressman George Santos has reversed his prior stance and pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges. Santos, once a defiant figure in politics, appeared in a Long Island federal court where he accepted responsibility for his actions.
Since taking office almost two years ago, Santos attracted significant attention, much of which stemmed from discrepancies in his personal narrative. He falsely claimed to have worked for Goldman Sachs, had a history as a college volleyball star, and misrepresented his mother’s death during the September 11 attacks. After being indicted on 23 criminal counts last year related to schemes designed to defraud voters, donors, and the government, Santos maintained his innocence but shifted his approach in court yesterday.
During the proceedings, Santos was calm and respectful as he answered the judge’s questions. Afterward, he expressed remorse outside the courthouse, acknowledging the legal ramifications of his actions.
Santos pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, although prosecutors noted that his plea deal encompassed a multitude of additional offenses. These include submitting fraudulent campaign finance reports, misappropriating funds from donors, charging contributors’ credit cards without their consent, and illegally obtaining unemployment benefits. U.S. Attorney Breon Peace labeled Santos’s actions as deceptive and fraudulent.
While Santos expressed regret for his conduct, some members of the public remained critical. Bill Christeson, a democracy activist who traveled from the Washington, D.C. area, demonstrated outside the courthouse with a sign that played on themes of dishonesty.
Santos is facing sentencing in February, with the prospect of a minimum of two years in prison and potentially much longer.