Gay Congressman And Trump Supporter George Santos Faces 7 Years In Prison For Major Fraud
Prosecutors call him a “pathological liar” who “made a mockery of our election system“.
Federal prosecutors want former New York Congressman George Santos to spend more than seven years in prison. The Trump supporter pleaded guilty to felony wire fraud and aggravated identity theft last year. His sentencing is set for April 25 in the Eastern District of New York.
In their Friday filing, the Justice Department called Santos a “pathological liar and fraudster” who “made a mockery of our election system.” They asked the court for a seven-year-and-three-month sentence.
What Did George Santos Do?
The government’s case details Santos’ many frauds. He stole identities from elderly donors. He submitted fake campaign finance documents. He made up most of his life story.
Prosecutors stated Santos misused “the very system by which we select our representatives” and used lies “to enrich himself and capture one of the highest offices in the government of the United States.”
Congress expelled Santos in December 2023 after a House Ethics Committee report showed he spent campaign funds on personal luxuries. He also told many lies about his background. Santos falsely claimed degrees from Baruch College and New York University. He said he worked at Goldman Sachs and Citigroup. None of this was true.
Why Such a Harsh Sentence?
Prosecutors say Santos “preyed on… vulnerable victims” and kept lying even after being caught. “When others confronted him with suspicions of deceit… Santos, without fail, has doubled down, disclaiming any wrongdoing and creating new deceptions,” the filing states.
The court documents reveal Santos charged thousands of dollars to credit cards of elderly donors, some with dementia. He also stole $100,000 from a supporter through a fake charity. He spent this money on luxury items from Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas.
JUST IN: Justice Department seeks 87 month sentence for George Santos. pic.twitter.com/dIKNgU3Kzb
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) April 4, 2025
Santos Asks for Lighter Punishment
Santos’s legal team asked for just 24 months in prison, followed by probation. They claim he has “accepted full responsibility for his actions” and that his behaviour “stemmed largely from a misguided desperation related to his political campaign, rather than inherent malice.”
His lawyers argue the recommended sentence is too harsh compared to similar white-collar crimes. They note Santos has suffered “significant collateral consequences” including “the loss of his congressional seat and public humiliation.”
Family Concerns and Cooperation
The defence mentions Santos provides “significant financial and emotional support” to his sister and her young daughter with severe disabilities. They claim his prison time would cause “severe hardship” for his family.
His lawyers also highlight Santos’ cooperation in a separate federal bribery case. “Mr. Santos’ proactive assistance in bringing another offender to justice underscores a fundamental respect for the law,” they wrote.
No Real Remorse?
Despite claims of regret, prosecutors say Santos hasn’t “repaid one cent to any of the victims.” Instead, he’s tried to profit from his notoriety with a podcast and over $350,000 from Cameo videos.
The government calls Santos “a significant future danger to the community” and wants a sentence that reflects the “breadth, scope, and predatory nature” of his crimes.
