On Friday, a federal court in New York sentenced former Republican Congressman George Santos to seven years and three months in prison.
Prosecutors had recommended this sentence due to several offenses, including the creation of a completely fabricated resume and the unscrupulous theft of money from elderly and disabled donors.
They characterized Santos as exhibiting “unbridled greed and a voracious appetite for fame,” which led him to “exploit the very system by which we elect our representatives.”
Despite pleading guilty to two counts of felony fraud and displaying remorse on camera, prosecutors labeled Santos a “pathological liar” who feels no genuine regret for his actions.
According to NBC, Santos’ lawyers requested a minimum sentence of two years, arguing that his dishonest actions stemmed more from a misguided sense of desperation than from malice, noting his clean criminal history.
From Fabricated Resume to Impeachment
Santos was elected to Congress in 2022, securing a seat on Long Island previously held by Democrats.
Before even assuming office, it became apparent that his resume was riddled with inaccuracies. The New York Times reported that he had either lied or exaggerated various aspects of his background, including his claim to be Jewish, which he later described as being “sort of Jewish.”
Following that revelation, allegations of campaign finance fraud emerged. Prosecutors accused him of identity theft and misappropriating donor funds for personal gain, supporting a lavish lifestyle. A House Ethics Committee report indicated that Santos used campaign funds to cover expenses like rent, luxury items, trips to Las Vegas and the Hamptons, cosmetic procedures, and even a subscription to OnlyFans.
In December 2023, the House of Representatives voted to impeach him.
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