Ex-US Rep. George Santos sentenced to over 7 years in prison for fraud and identity theft
Share this @internewscast.com

NEW YORK — Disgraced former U.S. Rep. George Santos, who lied about his life story and defrauded donors, was sentenced Friday to over seven years in prison, sobbing as he heard his punishment.

“Where is your remorse? Where do I see it?” U.S. District Court Judge Joanna Seybert asked as she sentenced him to 87 months behind bars. She said the former politician appeared to feel that “it’s always someone else’s fault.”

The New York Republican, who served in Congress for barely a year before his House colleagues ousted him in 2023, pleaded guilty last summer to federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

He admitted to deceiving donors and stealing the identities of nearly a dozen people, including his family members, to fund his winning campaign. As part of a plea deal, Santos has agreed to pay roughly $580,000 in penalties in addition to prison time.

The 36-year-old didn’t respond to reporters’ shouted questions as he walked into a Long Island courthouse, but he told The Associated Press on Thursday that he’s resigned to his fate.

“I’m doing as well as any human being would be doing given the circumstances,” Santos wrote in a text message on Thursday, adding that he was “ready to face the music.”

Prosecutors are seeking seven years in federal prison for Santos, arguing in recent court filings that he “remains unrepentant” and has not shown genuine remorse, despite what he claims.

They cite recent comments Santos has made on social media in which he casts himself as a victim of prosecutorial overreach.

In a letter to the court this week, Santos stressed that he remains “profoundly sorry” for his crimes but said prosecutors’ proposed sentence is too harsh.

Santos’ lawyers have called for a two-year prison stint, which is the mandatory minimum sentence for aggravated identity theft.

They argue such a penalty is comparable to sentences handed to former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and other political figures convicted of similar financial crimes.

Santos was elected in 2022, flipping a wealthy district representing parts of Queens and Long Island for the GOP.

Soon after, it was revealed that the political unknown had fabricated much of his life story, painting himself as a successful business owner who worked at prestigious Wall Street firms and held a valuable real estate portfolio.

In reality, Santos was struggling financially and even faced eviction. The revelations led to congressional and criminal inquiries into how he had funded his campaign.

As his sentencing approached, Santos was reflective in social media posts, thanking his supporters and detractors alike.

“I learned that no matter left, right or, center we are all humans and for the most part Americans (LOL) and we have one super power that I cherish and that is compassion,” he wrote Thursday on the social platform X. “To the trolls… well you guys are an impactful part of how people shape themselves, and y’all made me much stronger and made my skin thicker!”

He also made one final plug for his Cameo account, where he records personalized video messages for $100.

“Think ahead and of any celebration or event coming up later this year. Book them today,” Santos wrote, ending the post with a series of heart emojis.

Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Harry Styles makes surprise appearance at Vatican to welcome new Pope Leo XIV

Harry Styles Unexpectedly Shows Up at the Vatican to Greet New Pope Leo XIV

Is this a sign of the times? Fans were thrilled when Harry…
Jacksonville police dismantling large cable theft ring

Jacksonville Police Break Up Major Cable Theft Operation

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office dismantled a cable theft ring, arresting nine suspects…
Tufts University student detained by ICE granted bail by federal judge

Federal Judge Grants Bail to Tufts University Student Detained by ICE

A federal judge in Vermont has approved the release on bail for…
Republican DA bucks blue state's 'broken sentencing' with tough-on-crime approach

Republican DA Challenges Blue State’s Sentencing Policies with Firm Stance on Crime

A Republican district attorney known for a tough stance on crime is…
Sadie Haynes recovers after she was hit by a car at Fleming Island

Sadie Haynes on the Mend Following Car Accident at Fleming Island

15-year-old Sadie Haynes is still in the ICU eight days following an…
Newly elected Chicago Pope Leo XIV accused of not acting quickly enough to address past cases of abuse by priests

Newly Elected Chicago Pope Leo XIV Criticized for Delayed Response to Past Priestly Abuse Cases

CHICAGO (WLS) — While the election of the new pope from Chicago’s…
Virginia homeowner charged with murder after shooting high school teen during attempted break-in, sheriff says

Virginia Resident Faces Murder Charges for Shooting Teen During Alleged Break-In, According to Sheriff

A man from Virginia has been charged with murder after authorities claim…
Three Pakistan Air Force J-10 fighter jets in flight.

Over 100 Indian and Pakistani Fighter Jets Engaged in Huge Aerial Battle, One of the Largest in Modern Warfare

MORE than 100 Indian and Pakistani fighter jets reportedly clashed in a…
Replica fort unveiled at Fort Mose

Reconstructed Fort Revealed at Fort Mose

Following a year’s worth of construction efforts, a full-scale model of the…
Men guilty of felling much-loved British 'Sycamore Gap' tree

Men Found Guilty of Cutting Down Beloved ‘Sycamore Gap’ Tree in Britain

Two individuals were convicted on Friday for their involvement in cutting down…
 'Rivals' season two: See behind-the-scenes clip as cast gathers for first table read

‘Rivals’ Season 2: Check Out Behind-the-Scenes Footage of the Cast’s First Table Read

LOS ANGELES — The Cotswolds are calling and “Rivals” is answering. The…
Bryan Kohberger prosecutors will let victims’ families speak, no lay witnesses for sentencing if convicted

If Bryan Kohberger is found guilty, prosecution will allow victim families to testify, but no lay witnesses during sentencing

The prosecuting attorney in the case of Bryan Kohberger, accused of murdering…