George Santos Sentenced for Wire Fraud, Theft

Former Republican Congressman George Santos was sentenced to seven years and three months in prison on Friday for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The 36-year-old, once a rising star in New York politics, was expelled from Congress last year following revelations that he fabricated much of his background and misused campaign funds.

U.S. Federal District Court Judge Joanna Seybert delivered the sentence in Central Islip, New York, rejecting Santos' tearful apology in which he claimed, "I cannot rewrite the past, but I can control the road ahead." The judge sharply rebuked him, stating, "You got elected with your words, most of which were lies."

Santos, who pleaded guilty last August, had faced up to 22 years behind bars. Prosecutors sought an 87-month sentence, while his defense requested the minimum two years for identity theft.

A Pattern of Deception and Theft

Federal prosecutors outlined a scheme in which Santos stole from donors, falsified financial disclosures, and fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits while employed. He charged over 44,000 to his campaign using contributors′ creditcards without their knowledge. Additionally, he was ordered to pay 374,000 in restitution—a sum he has yet to repay.

Santos’ downfall began in 2022 when a New York Times investigation exposed his fabricated résumé, including false claims of degrees from elite universities and employment at Goldman Sachs and Citigroup. Further scrutiny revealed he lied about his mother surviving the 9/11 attacks and allegedly stole funds from a charity for a dying dog.

A House Ethics Committee report accused him of diverting campaign money for personal luxuries, including Botox treatments and OnlyFans subscriptions.

Expulsion and Aftermath

Santos was expelled from Congress in 2023—only the sixth lawmaker in U.S. history to face such a fate. His Long Island district later elected Democrat Tom Suozzi in a special election.

Despite initially stating he would not seek a pardon from President Donald Trump, Santos contradicted himself on his podcast, telling blogger Perez Hilton, "You bet your sweet ass I would."

Santos, who has attempted to monetize his infamy through Cameo videos, is scheduled to report to prison on July 25. As he left the courthouse, he declined to answer reporters' questions, closing a dramatic chapter in one of Congress' most brazen scandals.