George Santos, the former U.S. congressman sentenced to over seven years in federal prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, is preparing to report to prison later this month. In a recent post on social media, Santos expressed his concerns about his safety and announced he holds no intentions of self-harm or engaging in sexual activity while incarcerated. He emphasized, “I’m not suicidal. I’m not depressed,” and urged his followers to view any future claims suggesting otherwise as false.
Santos’s announcement comes as he reflects on the alarming statistics regarding the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals in Bureau of Prisons (BOP) custody. He insisted that his statements are a preemptive measure to clear any potential misconceptions.
After his sentencing in April, there had been speculation about the possibility of a presidential pardon from Donald Trump. Santos’s attorney, Joseph W. Murray, expressed readiness to submit a pardon request, hoping that presenting their evidence would garner a favorable response. However, in his recent communication, Santos expressed doubt about the likelihood of receiving a pardon, stating, “It’s not coming and even if it does chances are it will be too late based on the odds.”
This situation sheds light on the precarious nature of incarceration for marginalized communities, and Santos’s focus on his safety underscores a larger issue of the treatment of individuals within the penal system.
Overall, while Santos faces an uncertain future, his candid acknowledgment of his fears may resonate with many who face similar concerns in less visible circumstances. It remains to be seen how his case will unfold in the coming weeks.