George Santos Pleads Guilty, Acknowledging Lies and Blaming Ambition for Conning His Way to Congress

CENTRAL ISLIP, NEW YORK – MAY 10: Rep. George Santos (R-NY) speaks with members of the press as he leaves Federal Court on May 10, 2023 in Central Islip, New York. Federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York have charged Santos in a 13-count indictment that includes seven counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering, one count of theft of public funds, and two counts of making materially false statements to the House of Representatives. The Republican congressman, who represents communities on Long Island and in Queens, has lied about his professional accomplishments, his education and his family’s history, statements which surfaced after he was elected last year. He has admitted to embellishing his resume but denies any criminal wrongdoing. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — Former U.S. Rep. George Santos has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in his federal fraud case. The New York Republican entered the plea Monday in a courtroom in Long Island. His trial had been set to start in early September. Santos was indicted on charges he stole from political donors, used campaign contributions to pay for personal expenses, lied to Congress about his wealth and collected unemployment benefits while working. He was expelled from Congress following an ethics investigation. Santos remains free on bond awaiting sentencing Feb. 7. He faces more than six years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines and owes at least $370,000 in restitution.