Disgraced Politician George Santos Begins Prison Sentence In South Jersey

FAIRTON, NJ — Disgraced former U.S. Rep. George Santos is now in South Jersey, where he began his prison sentence last week after a high-profile corruption case that got him expelled from Congress.

Santos was sentenced in April to 87 months behind bars. He began his prison term July 25 at the Federal Correctional Institution, Fairton — a penitentiary in Cumberland County.

The former congressman is serving time in a minimum-security camp at the facility, according to the Bureau of Prisons.

In 2022, Santos was elected to represent New York's 3rd congressional district, becoming the first openly gay Republican elected to Congress. Within weeks, news outlets began reporting that he fabricated much of his biography, which led to criminal inquiries into how he funded his political campaign.

Additionally, Santos hadn't disclosed his criminal history or the lawsuits against him.

After a congressional investigation and federal indictment, the House voted in December 2023 to expel Santos from Congress.

He pleaded guilty in August to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

On July 24, Santos addressed his upcoming imprisonment on social media.

"Well, darlings…The curtain falls, the spotlight dims, and the rhinestones are packed," Santos said on X. "From the halls of Congress to the chaos of cable news what a ride it’s been! Was it messy? Always. Glamorous? Occasionally. Honest? I tried… most days."

Santos, 37, ended the post saying, "I may be leaving the stage (for now), but trust me legends never truly exit. Forever fabulously yours, George."

FCI Fairton is a federal prison with 800 male inmates in medium- and minimum-security facilities.

With reporting from Jerry Barmash/Patch Staff and the Associated Press.