Expelled Rep. George Santos Pleads Guilty in Federal Fraud Case, Likely Putting Him on a Path to Prison

Mar. 15, 2025

Then-New York Rep. George Santos appears in Manhattan on the day of Donald Trump’s first arraignment on April 4, 2023.Photo: John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock

Former New York Rep.George Santospleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in his federal fraud case on Monday, Aug. 19, avoiding a trial on several additional charges, according toThe New York TimesandCBS News, which had reporters in the courtroom.

The disgraced ex-congressman, 36, faced a total of 23 criminal counts heading into court on Monday, including wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds and aggravated identity theft. The wire fraud charge alone carried a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, according toThe Washington Post.

His guilty plea is unlikely to spare him prison time. CBS News reports that a judge expects his sentence to range from six to eight years.

His sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Feb. 7.

George Santos in 2023.Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty

Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty

Santos fell into controversy almost as soon as he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, following a 2022New York Timesreport that saidseveral claims he had made on the campaign trailcould not be corroborated. In February 2023, one month after he was sworn in, the House Ethics Committee confirmed that he wasunder investigation.

In October, Santos was hit with10 additional counts. Notably, the superseding indictment accused him of charging campaign donors' credit cards without their authorization.

Santosinitially pleaded not guiltyto all charges.

At the recommendation of the Republican-led House Ethics Committee, Santos wasexpelled from Congressin December 2023, making himonly the sixth House member in historyto face such a punishment.

source: people.com