Former Congressman George Santos, a Republican from New York, is expected to plead guilty in his federal fraud case, according to a source familiar with the situation. The plea is anticipated to take place at a court hearing set for Monday on Long Island.
This development comes shortly before the scheduled start of jury selection on September 9. Santos, who had previously pleaded not guilty to various financial crimes, including providing false information to Congress about his finances, misusing unemployment benefits, and using campaign funds for personal expenses like high-end clothing, now faces charges such as wire fraud, theft of public funds, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft.
Prosecutors have informed the judge that the trial may last up to three weeks as they plan to call around thirty-six witnesses, including individuals who were allegedly affected by Santos’ actions. While Santos has maintained his innocence, he referred to the investigation as a “witch hunt,” a claim dismissed as unfounded by prosecutors in a recent court filing.
In a past interview, Santos acknowledged that the possibility of going to jail was daunting, emphasizing the importance of avoiding such a scenario. He also expressed openness to plea negotiations last year when discussions were ongoing.
Judge Joanna Seybert recently denied Santos’ request for potential jurors to complete a written questionnaire about their perceptions of him. His legal team argued that given the negative public opinion surrounding him, such a measure was necessary. Meanwhile, prosecutors aimed to present evidence of false statements made by Santos during his campaign, where he inaccurately claimed to have graduated from prestigious universities and worked at renowned Wall Street firms.
Aides to Santos from his campaign have already pleaded guilty to charges related to fraudulent activities. His former treasurer, Nancy Marks, confessed to participating in a fraud conspiracy by inflating campaign finance reports with fictitious loans and donors. Marks’ lawyer indicated her willingness to testify against Santos if required, citing her client’s involvement as being influenced by Santos’ manipulation.
Similarly, another former campaign staffer, Sam Miele, admitted to a federal wire fraud charge for posing as a high-ranking congressional aide while soliciting campaign donations for Santos. Santos was ousted from Congress in December following an ethics investigation that uncovered substantial evidence of legal violations and personal gain through his public role.
The upcoming plea by Santos marks a significant turn in his legal battle, shedding light on the intricate web of financial crimes and deceit that have led to his downfall. As the case unfolds, the impact of his actions on his constituents and the political landscape will continue to reverberate, underscoring the importance of accountability and transparency in public office.