‘Unparalleled Crimes’: George Santos Faces Seven-Year Prison Term in Federal Fraud Case

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George Santos Faces Seven-Year Prison Term in Federal Fraud Case as Prosecutors Cite ‘Unparalleled Crimes’

 

Federal prosecutors are calling for a prison sentence of more than seven years for former U.S. Representative George Santos, citing what they describe as “unparalleled crimes” that exploited the American electoral system and left a trail of deceit, fraud, and public mistrust. In a court filing submitted Friday, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York urged the court to impose an 87-month sentence, the higher end of federal sentencing guidelines, arguing Santos’ conduct had “made a mockery” of the democratic process.

 

“From his creation of a wholly fictitious biography to his callous theft of money from elderly and impaired donors, Santos’s unrestrained greed and voracious appetite for fame enabled him to exploit the very system by which we select our representatives,” prosecutors wrote in the filing. They described him as “unrepentant and defiant,” pointing to his long-standing denials and characterization of the prosecution as a “witch hunt” even as damning evidence emerged and calls for his resignation mounted.

 

Santos ultimately pleaded guilty to federal fraud and identity theft charges in August 2023, admitting he deceived donors, stole the identities of nearly a dozen individuals—including family members—and falsified financial documents to secure campaign donations and federal matching funds. The once-promising Republican from New York, who served barely a year in Congress before his expulsion in December, now awaits sentencing on April 25.

 

 

Despite his guilty plea, prosecutors say Santos has not shown genuine remorse. They argue his post-plea apologies “ring hollow,” noting that he has neither forfeited the financial gains nor made restitution to his victims. They also raised concerns about the potential for reoffending, citing his continued attempts to profit from his notoriety, including through the video platform Cameo and a new documentary, which they say earned him over $800,000 since his ouster from Congress.

 

Santos’ attorneys, however, have called the sentencing recommendation “absurd and unfounded.” In their own memo submitted Friday, they urged the judge to impose the mandatory minimum two-year sentence for aggravated identity theft, claiming such a term would be consistent with those handed down in similar political scandals, including the case of former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. They also highlighted Santos’ lack of prior criminal history and his role in supporting his sister and her young daughter, arguing these are mitigating factors the court should weigh.

 

“This sentence, coupled with the significant collateral consequences Mr. Santos has already suffered—including the loss of his congressional seat and public humiliation — would send a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated,” his legal team wrote.

 

Santos’ fall from grace has been as swift as it was stunning. Once hailed as a Republican newcomer representing parts of Queens and Long Island, he was exposed for having fabricated nearly every aspect of his resume. He falsely claimed to be a wealthy financier with degrees from elite universities and a thriving real estate portfolio. In reality, he was facing eviction and financial hardship.

 

His lies and financial misconduct prompted a historic response from the House of Representatives, which voted to expel him—the sixth time in U.S. history a member has been removed by their peers.

 

Santos’ criminal case has also ensnared two of his former aides. Sam Miele, a top campaign fundraiser, was sentenced last month to just over a year in prison after admitting he impersonated a senior congressional aide to solicit donations and charged credit cards without consent. Nancy Marks, the campaign’s treasurer, has pleaded guilty to filing fake financial reports, including a fictitious $500,000 personal loan from Santos, to meet fundraising targets that unlocked national party support. She is scheduled to be sentenced in May.

 

Santos’ own sentencing was originally scheduled for February but was delayed to give him time to come up with more than $500,000 in court fines. As part of his plea deal, he agreed to pay nearly $375,000 in restitution and forfeit $205,000. At the time, his lawyers stated he had just over $1,000 in liquid assets and needed additional time to generate income from his newly launched podcast “Pants on Fire.”

 

Whether that effort will satisfy the court remains to be seen. For now, George Santos stands as a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities of the political system and the severe consequences of exploiting them.

 

Based on a report by NBC News  2025-04-07

 

 

[Tug]

Whaaat??heck I’d have thought trump would have given him a cabinet position by now….on a serious note I hope he does time.

[BangkokReady]

6 hours ago, Tug said:

I’d have thought trump would have given him a cabinet position by now

 

Given his deception, greed and disregard for the law, he'd be much more at home with a Biden or a Clinton.  🙄

[Oliver Holzerfilled]

Georgie boy seems to like the pork sword so prison won't be much of a punishment for him.

[spidermike007]

Always refreshing to see a US Congressman or Senator locked up. As far as I'm concerned they're all criminals and they should all be locked up. If nothing else for their illegal stock trading. 

[JonnyF]

Santos is clear unhinged. A real Walter Mitty. I think long term psychiatric help might be more appropriate in this case. 

[JustinT]

I'm sure Trump will pardon this guy soon.  He's Republican, so he must be innocent.

[candide]

A true MAGA! 

[Purdey]

"Of the many lies you have made in the past few years, which one is your favorite?"

"I never lie."

"Yes, that's my favorite too."

- A. Politician