CENTRAL ISLIP, New York (trfnews.i234.me) – Former U.S. Representative George Santos, once a rising star in Republican politics, pleaded guilty on August 19 to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, crimes that could lead to a prison sentence of up to 22 years. Santos, who was expelled from Congress in 2023 after a series of scandals, admitted to misusing campaign funds, charging donors’ credit cards without permission, and fraudulently receiving unemployment benefits.
In court, Santos, 36, expressed regret, apologizing to his constituents and taking full responsibility for his actions. His sentencing is scheduled for February 7, where he could face a sentence of up to 95 months, as part of a plea deal that prevents him from appealing a sentence under eight years. Santos had been free on a $500,000 bond since his arrest.
Santos’ brief tenure in Congress was marked by controversy, including revelations that he fabricated large parts of his background, leading to his eventual expulsion. His former seat in New York was won by Democrat Tom Suozzi in a special election earlier this year.