George Santos Pleads Guilty To Fraud, Identity Theft

Former New York Representative George Santos, who was accused of fabricating much of his life story, pleaded guilty Monday to wire fraud and identity theft and admitted to a raft of fraudulent conduct including embezzling funds from donors.

The plea deal, to two federal offenses, resolves the case against Santos, who had been scheduled to go to trial next month on 23 criminal counts. Santos called the guilty plea “the right thing to do.”

“This plea is not just an admission of guilt,” Santos told the media. “It’s an acknowledgment that I need to be held accountable like any other American that breaks the law.”

In court, Santos told the judge he was “committed to making amends and learning from this experience.” He is due to be sentenced on Feb. 7. Santos pleaded guilty to claiming relatives had made contributions to his campaign when, in fact, they had not.

Santos conceded he was trying to meet the fundraising threshold to qualify for financial help from the National Republican Congressional Committee. In addition to potential prison time, Santos must pay restitution of nearly $374,000 and forfeiture of more than $200,000.

Santos faces a sentence of 75-87 months, including a mandatory minimum two-year sentence for aggravated identity theft. Fighting back tears outside the courthouse after his plea, Santos said he was “flooded with deep regret” for his conduct.

He vowed to accept responsibility for his actions while apologizing to his former constituents for allowing “ambition to cloud [his] judgment.” He had previously pleaded not guilty to the charges.

While Santos did things that were legally questionable, there is a clear reason why he, more than Democratic Senator Menendez, is being made an example of. The overwhelming power of the American left. They control institutions and media narratives. Don’t let Santos be used as a distraction from the many Democrats who have skirted the law, but are not made a scapegoat in the way that Santos is.