CENTRAL ISLIP, NY — Disgraced former U.S. Representative George Santos was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison on Friday after pleading guilty to a series of fraudulent schemes that defrauded donors, voters, and federal institutions. The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert, represents the maximum punishment Santos faced. He will also serve two years of supervised release and has been ordered to pay nearly $600,000 in restitution and forfeiture.
During a tearful appearance in court, Santos, 36, expressed regret for his actions, telling the judge, “My conduct betrayed my supporters and the institutions I swore to uphold.” He pleaded for leniency, claiming he wants the opportunity to contribute positively to the community he harmed.
Prosecutors, however, pushed for the maximum sentence, calling Santos’ behavior an “unprecedented” pattern of deceit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Harris emphasized the former congressman’s lack of remorse, pointing to a recent social media post in which Santos declared, “they will NEVER break my spirit.” Judge Seybert echoed the prosecutors’ concerns, criticizing Santos for continuing to lie and attempting to shift blame onto the government.
Santos was convicted of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, among other charges, in connection with falsified Federal Election Commission filings and a fabricated fundraising effort to qualify for a prominent GOP program. His former campaign treasurer, Nancy Marks, also pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing next month.
Santos, expelled from Congress in December 2023, will report to prison at a future date.
