George Santos Faces Prison for Fraud, Identity Theft

4 Apr at 10:11 pm

2684 posts

George Santos Faces Prison for Fraud, Identity Theft \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Federal prosecutors are requesting over seven years in prison for former congressman George Santos, who pleaded guilty to fraud and identity theft. They say his actions “mocked” the U.S. election system and warn of his high risk of reoffending. Santos’ sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 25 in New York.

Quick Looks

Prosecutors ask for 87 months in prison for Santos
Guilty of fraud, identity theft, and campaign finance crimes
Accused of deceiving voters, donors, and stealing identities
Refused to resign despite mounting scandals before expulsion
Fabricated resume, fake job history, and real estate assets
Agreed to repay $375,000 in restitution and $205,000 forfeiture
Prosecutors say he earned $800,000 post-expulsion from Cameo, a documentary
Former aides Sam Miele and Nancy Marks also pleaded guilty
Miele sentenced to 1 year in prison for fundraising fraud
Sentencing hearing set for April 25 in Long Island court

Deep Look

Federal prosecutors are urging a judge to sentence former Congressman George Santos to more than seven years in federal prison, saying his elaborate scheme of fraud, deception, and identity theft exploited not just his donors, but the integrity of the U.S. electoral system itself.

In a sentencing memo filed Friday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York outlined why Santos deserves the maximum allowable punishment under federal sentencing guidelines. They argue that the former New York Republican’s “unparalleled crimes” call for 87 months behind bars, which includes a mandatory two-year term for aggravated identity theft.

“Santos lied to his campaign staff, his supporters, his putative employer, congressional colleagues, and the American public,” prosecutors wrote. “His unrestrained greed and voracious appetite for fame enabled him to exploit the very system by which we select our representatives.”

A Web of Lies Unravels

Santos, once a rising political figure representing parts of Queens and Long Island, was elected to Congress in 2022 after portraying himself as a wealthy businessman with degrees from prestigious universities and experience on Wall Street.

In reality, Santos never attended the schools he claimed, didn’t work at the firms he touted, and was in significant financial distress during his campaign. He ultimately served less than a year in Congress before being expelled in December 2023—making him just the sixth member in history to be ousted from the House of Representatives.

In August 2024, Santos pleaded guilty to a range of charges, including wire fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft. According to court documents, he stole the identities of nearly a dozen individuals—including his own relatives—to make fake donations to his campaign and boost fundraising totals. He also misused donor funds for personal expenses.

Ill-Gotten Gains and Questionable Remorse

Despite pleading guilty, prosecutors say Santos has shown little remorse. He has not repaid any victims, nor has he forfeited his illicit earnings. Prosecutors argue that his conduct after the charges—including claims of a “witch hunt”—shows a lack of accountability.

“His claims of remorse ring hollow,” the memo states. “The volume of Santos’s lies and his extraordinary pattern of dishonesty speaks to his high likelihood of reoffending.”

Though Santos claims to have just $1,000 in liquid assets, prosecutors say he has continued to profit from his notoriety. He has earned more than $800,000 from public appearances, a post-Congress documentary, and a Cameo account where he delivers personalized video messages.

Santos had requested a sentencing delay earlier this year to allow more time to pay off nearly $600,000 in court obligations, including $375,000 in restitution and $205,000 in forfeiture penalties. The court granted a three-month extension, with the final sentencing now set for April 25 in a Long Island federal courtroom.

Fraud That Reached Deep Into His Campaign

Santos’ criminal activity extended into his campaign team, where two close aides have also admitted wrongdoing.

Sam Miele, Santos’ former fundraiser, pleaded guilty to impersonating a senior congressional aide and fraudulently charging donors’ credit cards. He was sentenced in March to one year and one day in federal prison.
Nancy Marks, the campaign’s treasurer, admitted to submitting false finance reports to the Federal Election Commission, including fake donor names and a fabricated $500,000 personal loan from Santos that helped him meet thresholds for Republican Party funding. She is scheduled to be sentenced in May 2025.

These revelations painted a damning portrait of a campaign built on lies, supported by bogus credentials, and financed through fraudulent tactics.

What Happens Next

Santos’ sentencing on April 25 will mark the final chapter in one of the most bizarre political scandals in modern congressional history. If the court follows prosecutors’ recommendation, Santos could serve up to seven years in prison, possibly longer if he violates any post-sentencing conditions.

His attorneys did not respond to media inquiries ahead of Friday’s court filing deadline. Whether they will push for leniency based on his cooperation, guilty plea, or financial hardship remains to be seen.

Santos has attempted to rebrand himself since leaving Congress, launching a podcast called “Pants on Fire” and continuing to make public appearances. But prosecutors argue that his celebrity status is the direct result of his crimes, not his service.

“He made a mockery of our election system,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office concluded. “He should now be held accountable with a sentence that reflects the magnitude of his deceit.”