Former New York Republican Congressman George Santos was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison on Friday for charges including wire fraud and identity theft.
The 36-year-old, who served just under a year in the House before being expelled in 2023, had faced 23 criminal counts ranging from credit card fraud to falsifying records. He pled guilty in August as part of a plea deal, admitting to deceiving donors and stealing identities to fund his campaign, and agreed to pay nearly $600,000 in penalties.
During the sentencing, Santos reportedly broke down in tears as U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert questioned his lack of remorse. Prosecutors argued he remained defiant, citing recent posts on social media. Santos, however, responded in court documents that expressing disagreement with the sentence doesn’t mean he lacks remorse, stating, “True remorse isn’t mute.”
U.S. Attorney John Durham said the sentencing brings long-awaited justice to those Santos misled, including donors, family, and constituents.
Santos is expected to report to prison by July 26. His short-lived political career began with a 2022 win, though it was later marred by revelations he had fabricated much of his background, including claims about his education, work history, and family heritage. Despite the scandal, he attempted a political comeback in 2024, running as an Independent in a nearby district.
