George Santos Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Identity Theft

Today, George Santos, former U.S. Representative, admitted to committing wire fraud, identity theft, and other fraudulent activities.Photo byChip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Former U.S. Representative George Santos pleaded guilty today in federal court in Central Islip, New York to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, admitting to a series of fraudulent activities during his campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Public Affairs.

Santos, 36, acknowledged filing fraudulent Federal Election Commission (FEC) reports, embezzling campaign funds, charging credit cards without authorization, and stealing identities.

He also admitted to obtaining unemployment benefits through fraud and making false reports to the House of Representatives, the Justice Department stated.

“George Santos committed fraud and identity theft, violating laws designed to ensure transparency in the election process,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, as cited by the Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs.

“Today’s conviction is proof of our commitment to enforcing these laws.”

Santos’s guilty plea stems from multiple schemes, including inflating campaign fundraising numbers to secure national party committee support, charging contributors' credit cards without their consent, and using the funds for personal expenses, according to the Justice Department.

He also admitted to falsely claiming unemployment benefits while employed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Santos has acknowledged his repeated defrauding of government institutions, family, supporters, and constituents,” stated U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York, according to the Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs.

“His flagrant conduct has been exposed and will be punished.”

Santos is scheduled for sentencing on February 7, 2025, facing a mandatory minimum of two years in prison and a maximum of 22 years.

He has agreed to pay restitution of $373,749.97 and forfeit $205,002.97, according to the Justice Department.