George Santos in Negotiation with Federal Prosecutors in Hopes for a Plea Deal
Brooklyn federal prosecutors revealed on Monday that discussions are underway for former Representative George Santos to plead guilty to federal charges, according to Politico.
This development follows Santos' expulsion from the House just ten days ago.
"The parties are presently engaged in plea negotiations with the goal of resolving this matter without the need for a trial," said the court filing.
They expressed the intention to continue these negotiations over the next thirty days before convening for an additional court conference.
Santos, a former one-term Republican from New York, originally indicted in May and faced an updated indictment in October, is confronting a total of 23 federal charges. Among the allegations are identity theft, unauthorized credit card charges to donors, and submitting false campaign reports containing fictitious loans and contributions.
Despite maintaining his innocence, Santos labeled the federal charges a "witch hunt" after his initial arraignment.
"I'm going to take care of clearing my name," George Santos said following his initial arraignment.
However, the House Ethics Committee disclosed last month that there is "substantial evidence" supporting the federal charges and other accusations, such as misusing campaign funds for Botox treatments and extravagant trips to Atlantic City with his husband.
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George Santos Federal Charges
George Santos, a Republican representing parts of Queens and Long Island, faces multiple charges, including wire fraud, identity theft, and making false statements, per CNBC.
Congress expelled him in early December following a damning ethics report, further thinning the already slim Republican majority.
Santos is currently scheduled for trial in September, with prosecutors requesting an earlier start in May or June.
Samuel Miele, once a prominent campaign fundraiser for Santos, recently admitted guilt in a Long Island federal court, confessing to wire fraud charges stemming from his impersonation of a key aide to former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Miele's fraudulent activities were centered around soliciting donations for Santos.
Furthermore, in October of the same year, Nancy Marks, the former campaign treasurer for Santos, also pleaded guilty in the same federal court. Marks faced charges related to multiple campaign finance felonies associated with her role in Santos' campaign.
George Santos Expulsion
In a historic move, Santos became the sixth lawmaker to be expelled from Congress after a House Ethics Committee report found he "sought to fraudulently exploit every aspect of his House candidacy for his own personal financial profit."
The House voted 311 to 114 to expel George Santos, who had previously stirred controversy for fabricating elements of his life story and resume, CNN reports.
The Ethics Committee's report also uncovered additional "uncharged and unlawful conduct" by Santos, prompting an immediate referral of these allegations to the Justice Department for further investigation.
George Santos, when asked about the possibility of going to jail, acknowledged concerns.
"I think everyone should be afraid of going to jail; it's not a pretty place, and I definitely want to work very hard to avoid that as much as possible," said ex-New York Rep. George Santos.
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This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Bert Hoover
WATCH: Former Rep. George Santos Negotiating Plea With Prosecutors, Filing Says - From Forbes Breaking News
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