George Santos Scandal: NY Rep. Took $3,000 From Dying Dog's GoFundMe; Ex-Roommate Says He Had ‘Delusions of Grandeur’

A new allegation against George Santos has surfaced after a disabled veteran said the New York lawmaker took $3,000 from the GoFundMe campaign for his dying dog.

According to the Patch, Richard Osthoff was living in a tent in an abandoned chicken coop on the side of Route 9 in New Jersey with his dog Sapphire in May 2016.

A veteran's charity gave the dog to Osthoff, a disabled veteran honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 2002.

Osthoff told the outlet that he learned that his dog had developed a life-threatening stomach tumor and that the surgery would cost $3,00.

The veterinary technician told the disabled veteran they knew someone who could help, referring to Anthony Devolder and his pet charity.

Santos used the name Anthony Devolder years before he entered the political arena, and he has a pet charity called Friends of Pets United.

Osthoff noted that Santos promised to raise funds for a lifesaving surgery for his service dog.

He said Santos closed the GoFundMe page he set up for Sapphire after it raised $3,000 on social media and disappeared.

The disabled veteran noted that Santos stopped taking his calls and texts. Another New Jersey veteran and retired police Sgt. Michael Boll helped Osthoff contact Santos.

Boll told him he needed to give back the money or use it "to get Oshtoff another dog."

Boll said Santos was "totally uncooperative on the phone," adding that the now New York representative told him he planned to use the money to help other animals.

The retired Marine Corps veteran noted that he could not do that as the money was specifically raised for Osthoff and his service dog Sapphire.

Osthoff said Sapphire died on January 15, 2017, and he even could not afford the dog's euthanasia and cremation after being out of work with a broken leg for more than a year.

The New York Times reported in December that the nonprofit was unregistered.

George Santos Roommate

George Santos' former roommate also came forward and said the newly elected representative showed signs of "delusions of grandeur" while they were living together in New York City.

Gregory Morey-Parker told "CNN This Morning" that Santos made claims about his life and personal finances that did not seem feasible.

He noted that Santos would go to bars with "rolls of hundred dollar bills" and would end up having no money three days later.

He also accused Santos of stealing his Burberry scarf, saying he misses his "stone check Burberry scarf." However, what concerned him was people needed to focus more on the issues.

The alleged stolen scarf was seen worn by George Santos during a rally and speech on January 5, 2021.

George Santos Scandal

The New York attorney general's office announced in December that it is reviewing some of the issues about George Santos after he admitted to fabricating his biography details, including his education, career background, and financial disclosures.

However, the office did not announce whether it had opened an official probe into Santos and declined to comment further on the issue.

In an email to NBC News, Joe Murray, Santos' lawyer, said they had "not been contacted by anyone."

Democratic Congressman Ritchie Torres recently joined members of Santos' district in calling Federal Election Commission for an investigation into the lawmaker's campaign finances. Torres asked where did all the money come from for his campaign.

Watchdog groups have also accused Santos of using campaign funds for personal purposes while hiding the source of donations and failing to submit disclosure reports in an accurate and timely manner.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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