Politics & Government
Rep. George Santos In Custody, Surrenders To Fraud Charges: Feds
A 13-count federal indictment unsealed Wednesday also accuses Santos of theft of public funds and lying to Congress.
NEW YORK CITY — Rep. George Santos is in custody after surrendering to money laundering and fraud charges in a 13-count indictment unsealed Wednesday, federal prosecutors said.
Santos is also accused of theft of public funds and lying to Congress, according to the indictment. He was arrested in Long Island, and arraignment is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Wednesday, federal officials said.
“The allegations in the indictment charge Santos with relying on repeated dishonesty and deception to ascend to the halls of Congress and enrich himself," said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace.
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"He used political contributions to line his pockets, unlawfully applied for unemployment benefits that should have gone to New Yorkers who had lost their jobs due to the pandemic, and lied to the House of Representatives."
Prosecutors accuse Santos of lying to supporters who believed their cash would support his campaign, but instead bought the soon-to-be U.S. Congress member luxury designer clothes.
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Santos also stands accused of collecting unemployment for a little less than a year, between 2020 and 2021, despite being employed as an investment firm's regional director and collecting an annual salary of $120,000.
The lawmaker was also accused of misleading the House of Representatives about his financial condition related to two Congressional campaigns in May 2020 and September 2022.
The Republican freshman congressman, who represents parts of Queens and Long Island, has been embroiled in a bizarre spate of scandals ranging from outright lies about his biography.
Santos admitted to lying about his work and education, and he's accused of lying about his Jewish heritage and involvement in national tragedies. The embattled lawmaker faces numerous calls for his resignation from Congress, including from GOP leaders in Nassau County.
Among the accusations levied against Santos is that he scammed a veteran out of $3,000 meant to treat the vet's sick dog.
This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.
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