George Santos Controversy: House Ethics Committee Launches Investigation Into New York Lawmaker

Embattled New York Representative George Santos is facing a House Ethics Committee investigation even though Republicans had the majority in the House.

Santos, a Republican, has been facing criticism even from members of his own party over "lies" about his background and questions about his campaign finances. The New York representative previously campaigned as a gay of Brazilian descent and Jewish ancestry.

However, his claims of Jewish heritage are reportedly unfounded. Aside from his educational background, he also lied about working for business giants like Goldman Sachs.

According to The New York Times, the House Ethics Committee unanimously voted to open a probe into whether Santos broke some laws or engaged in sexual misconduct. The investigation will cover some accusations in the formal misconduct complaints against Santos, including one filed by two House members.

In a statement, the House committee's top-ranking Republican and Democratic members noted that they would seek to determine whether Santos had failed to properly fill out his House financial disclosure forms.

They will also investigate whether he violated federal conflict of interest laws or engaged in other unlawful activity during his congressional campaign in 2022.

House Ethics Committee Also Looking Into Sexual Misconduct Allegations vs. George Santos

The Guardian reported that the committee will also investigate if George Santos engaged in sexual misconduct towards a former aide. Santos is facing a complaint from a former aide accusing him of sexual harassment. However, the lawmaker denied the allegations.

Derek Myers previously said it was an unfortunate series of events, adding that he hoped the matter will be handled by the "appropriate bodies and not litigated through the news media."

In a letter to the House Ethics Committee, Myers said he started working in Santos' D.C. office on January 24, with duties including answering phones, reading mail, corresponding, and writing to constituents.

Myers noted that Santos hit on him the day after he started working as a volunteer. He also alleged that the lawmaker asked him if he had a hookup app popular in the gay community, which is Grindr. Myers also accused Santos of inviting him to sit with him on a small sofa.

He noted that Santos also called him "buddy" and alleged that the lawmaker placed his leg on Myers' left leg and asked him if he would like to go to a karaoke night. Myers declined, but Santos still allegedly moved his hand down his leg into the inner thigh and proceeded to touch his groin.

George Santos Also Being Investigated by Federal and Local Authorities

George Santos is not just facing an inquiry from the House Ethics Committee but also from federal and local prosecutors, who are looking into his lies about his background and alleged stealing of money from a veteran's dying dog and scamming some Amish dog breeders.

Federal prosecutors are investigating Santos, with the U.S. Attorney's office for the Eastern District of New York looking into his finances and financial disclosures. The Republican district attorney for Nassau County is also reviewing the alleged embellishments on his resume.

He is also in trouble in Brazil, as Brazilian authorities plan to revive fraud charges against him. It is related to a 2008 incident involving using a stolen checkbook and a false name.

According to Al Jazeera, Santos has already admitted to lying about his professional and personal background. The House committee could recommend penalties such as a fine or formal censure based on its findings. The panel has four members composed of two Democrats and two Republicans.

Representatives David Joyce, a Republican from Ohio, and Susan Wild of Pennsylvania, the highest-ranking Democrat on the House Ethics Committee, will lead the probe. Santos has repeatedly said he will not heed calls to resign from office.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: House Ethics Committee Moves Forward With Investigation Into Rep. George Santos - From MSNBC