Former Us Rep. George Santos Sentenced To More Than 7 Years In Prison

Former U.S. Rep. George Santos was sentenced to 87 months, more than 7 years, successful situation connected Friday and reportedly near sobbing arsenic a judge announced nan decision. The judge gave Santos until July 25 to surrender to authorities and statesman his sentence.

Santos was besides ordered to salary astir $580,000 successful penalties, including $370,000 successful restitution and much than $200,000 successful forfeiture.

It’s acold much than nan minimum condemnation of 2 years Santos had asked for as he was charged pinch national ligament fraud and aggravated personality theft that prosecutors opportunity happened during his 2022 tally for nan U.S. House of Representatives.

The U.S. Justice Department will apt invited nan condemnation arsenic it sought a much than seven-year situation word for Santos.

Santos pleaded blameworthy to nan charges successful August 2024.

What does nan condemnation stem from?

Santos admitted to lying to donors and stealing nan identities of aggregate people, including his ain family, to money his first campaign, which yet was successful.

Prosecutors said Santos’ victims included a female pinch encephalon harm and 2 men pinch dementia. They besides pointed retired that Santos acknowledged successful caller days he ne'er intended to reimburse nan victims anytime soon. Prosecutors said he would walk nan money he scammed his victims retired of connected lavish clothing and vacations. 

How did Santos respond?

During nan sentencing hearing, Santos said, “I connection my deepest apologies.” He continued, “I cannot rewrite nan past, but I tin power nan roadworthy ahead. I person tried my best.”

Santos besides said that he “betrayed nan assurance entrusted successful me” earlier nan judge.

What did nan judge say?

U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert didn’t bargain it. 

“Where is your remorse? Where do I spot it?” Seybert said.

Seybert besides noted that while Santos was making money from appearances connected societal media platforms for illustration Cameo, it’s “incredible” that he didn’t effort to unfastened an relationship to salary backmost nan victims he stole from. He said he continued to dishonesty and blasted nan authorities for his circumstances. Seybert said of Santos, “It’s ever personification else’s fault.”

What did his defense lawyer argue?

Santos’ defense lawyer tried to reason nan erstwhile typical faced struggles, including coming from a “broken house” and being nan unfortunate of bullying arsenic a cheery man.

“He built nan man he wanted to be, not who he was. Deep down, he is warm, kind, caring and thoughtful,” Andrew Mancilla, Santos’ lawyer, said. Mancilla besides noted that now, “everyone hates George Santos.”

Who is George Santos?

The erstwhile New York congressman won a spot successful nan U.S. House of Representatives arsenic a Republican earlier being ousted successful 2023 pursuing a House Ethics Committee uncovering of “uncharged and unlawful conduct” by Santos. Santos, who represented Queens and Long Island, New York, attempted to tally arsenic an independent for different territory pursuing his ouster.