Ex-US Rep. George Santos sentenced to over 7 years in prison for fraud and identity theft
Share and Follow

NEW YORK — Disgraced former U.S. Rep. George Santos, who lied about his life story and defrauded donors, was sentenced Friday to over seven years in prison, sobbing as he heard his punishment.

“Where is your remorse? Where do I see it?” U.S. District Court Judge Joanna Seybert asked as she sentenced him to 87 months behind bars. She said the former politician appeared to feel that “it’s always someone else’s fault.”

The New York Republican, who served in Congress for barely a year before his House colleagues ousted him in 2023, pleaded guilty last summer to federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

He admitted to deceiving donors and stealing the identities of nearly a dozen people, including his family members, to fund his winning campaign. As part of a plea deal, Santos has agreed to pay roughly $580,000 in penalties in addition to prison time.

The 36-year-old didn’t respond to reporters’ shouted questions as he walked into a Long Island courthouse, but he told The Associated Press on Thursday that he’s resigned to his fate.

“I’m doing as well as any human being would be doing given the circumstances,” Santos wrote in a text message on Thursday, adding that he was “ready to face the music.”

Prosecutors are seeking seven years in federal prison for Santos, arguing in recent court filings that he “remains unrepentant” and has not shown genuine remorse, despite what he claims.

They cite recent comments Santos has made on social media in which he casts himself as a victim of prosecutorial overreach.

In a letter to the court this week, Santos stressed that he remains “profoundly sorry” for his crimes but said prosecutors’ proposed sentence is too harsh.

Santos’ lawyers have called for a two-year prison stint, which is the mandatory minimum sentence for aggravated identity theft.

They argue such a penalty is comparable to sentences handed to former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and other political figures convicted of similar financial crimes.

Santos was elected in 2022, flipping a wealthy district representing parts of Queens and Long Island for the GOP.

Soon after, it was revealed that the political unknown had fabricated much of his life story, painting himself as a successful business owner who worked at prestigious Wall Street firms and held a valuable real estate portfolio.

In reality, Santos was struggling financially and even faced eviction. The revelations led to congressional and criminal inquiries into how he had funded his campaign.

As his sentencing approached, Santos was reflective in social media posts, thanking his supporters and detractors alike.

“I learned that no matter left, right or, center we are all humans and for the most part Americans (LOL) and we have one super power that I cherish and that is compassion,” he wrote Thursday on the social platform X. “To the trolls… well you guys are an impactful part of how people shape themselves, and y’all made me much stronger and made my skin thicker!”

He also made one final plug for his Cameo account, where he records personalized video messages for $100.

“Think ahead and of any celebration or event coming up later this year. Book them today,” Santos wrote, ending the post with a series of heart emojis.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Nicole Richie and Joel Madden's daughter reveals transformation

Shocking Transformation: Nicole Richie and Joel Madden’s Daughter Stuns the World!

Nicole Richie’s daughter, Harlow Madden, is marking her 18th birthday with a…
Budget airline Allegiant to acquire Sun Country in $1.5 billion merger

Allegiant’s $1.5 Billion Deal to Merge with Sun Country: A Game-Changer in the Airline Industry

The merger of Allegiant Airlines with Sun Country Airlines will result in…
Dancing With The Stars choreographer dead at age 47

Dancing With The Stars Choreographer Passes Away at 47

Léo Blanco, a celebrated dancer and choreographer from the Brazilian edition of…
Joliet Catholic Diocese holds special Mass for New York Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks at St. Raymond Nonnatus Cathedral

Joliet Catholic Diocese Honors Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks with Special Mass at St. Raymond Nonnatus Cathedral

In a heartfelt ceremony, the Joliet Diocese bid a fond farewell to…
Dear Abby: My grandbaby never visits our side of the family

Grandparent Dilemma: Seeking Solutions for Limited Visits from Beloved Grandchild

DEAR ABBY: My son tied the knot with a wonderful woman, “Noelle,”…
JSO: Investigation underway after in-custody death reported at local hospital

JSO Launches Investigation Following In-Custody Death at Jacksonville Hospital

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has reported that an inmate passed away, and…
LA protesters swarm U-Haul truck that drove through anti-Iranian regime gathering

LA Protesters Confront U-Haul Driver Amid Tensions at Anti-Iranian Regime Demonstration

On a tense Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles, a protest against the…
Footage shows grieving families in Iran wailing and desperately searching through rows of dead of bodies for loved ones

Heart-wrenching Footage Captures Iranian Families in Solemn Search for Lost Loved Ones Among Rows of Deceased

Tragic scenes have emerged from Iran, where devastated families are combing through…