FLASH NEWS
Lied on CV and used campaign funds for luxurious life/ Former Republican Congressman Santos sentenced to 7 years in prison
2025-04-25 20:45:37 / BOTA
The 36-year-old pleaded guilty to federal charges in New York court last August.
Prosecutors had asked for 87 months over seven years in prison, while Santos' lawyers had asked that he serve two years, the minimum sentence for aggravated identity theft.
The conviction marks the latest step in the downfall of the New York politician, who was expelled from Congress after he lied about his background and misused campaign funds to finance his lavish lifestyle.
The federal government alleged that Santos used campaign funds to pay for his personal expenses, illegally claimed unemployment benefits while employed, and lied to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), according to the BBC.
Prosecutors said he charged more than $44,000 (£32,000) to his campaign over a period of several months using credit cards belonging to contributors who were unaware they were being defrauded.
In court last year, Santos admitted to theft and applying for unemployment benefits he was not entitled to.
He has also admitted to making false statements and omissions in financial statements submitted to the House Ethics Committee and the FEC.
The former lawmaker has been ordered to pay at least $374,000 (£280,000) in compensation.
He has been trying to raise money on Cameo, a platform where people can buy personalized videos from celebrities.
Santos' downfall began after the New York Times in 2022 published an investigation that revealed that the congressman had lied about his resume, including having a university degree and working for Citigroup and Goldman Sachs.
From there, the lies continued to pile up, including claims that he stole money from a fundraiser for a dying dog and that he lied about his mother surviving the September 11 terrorist attacks. Soon after, local and federal officials began investigating.
He was ultimately charged with 23 federal crimes, and in 2023, he became the first member of Congress to be expelled in more than 20 years.
A report from the House ethics panel accused him of misusing campaign funds for personal gain, including Botox and subscriptions to the website OnlyFans.
Santos defeated a Democratic incumbent in 2022, flipping the district that includes parts of Long Island and Queens, New York, where he grew up.
Santos, an ardent supporter of President Donald Trump, has said he would not apologize to the president.
"If the president thinks I'm worthy of any level of mercy, he can go ahead and do it, but for me to apologize would mean denying responsibility," Santos told the New York Times.
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