New York — George Santos is expected to plead guilty to charges stemming from fraud charges, a person familiar with the matter confirmed to CBS News New York.
Santos, a former New York Republican congressman, is expected to enter a plea Monday in federal court in Central Islip, New York.
He was He was expelled from the House of Representatives Innocent last year and before 23 Federal Charges Allegation of fraud, including misappropriation of campaign funds.
Both sides were preparing for a hearing next month
Santos appeared in a Long Island court on Tuesday Pre-trial investigation. His trial was scheduled to begin in September.
Central government lawyers asked the judge to allow them to present Santos lied on the campaign trail In evidence, he argued that he « deliberately used them to perpetuate criminal schemes. »
Lies include:
- Graduated from Baruch College and New York University
- An accomplished college volleyball player
- Having grandparents who survived the Holocaust
- Works at Citigroup and Goldman Sachs
- Building his family fortune
- Stealing from campaign contributors
Santos' defense team asked the court for a partially anonymous jury, citing « extensive and often negative media coverage » and that « jurors may face harassment or intimidation. » The judge agreed.
If convicted at trial, Santos faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Former members who participated in a possible plea deal
The disgraced former congressman covers New York's 3rd congressional district. His victory in 2022 helped the Republican Party control the House. Almost immediately, Santos began making headlines for his cult of profanity.
« He's been saying he wants his day in court ever since he was indicted, » said Jody Cass Finkel, who led the citizen group to oust Santos from office. « He basically tortured us for months. For 11 months, we had to live with him as our representative. As far as we're concerned, the rush is gone, and he shouldn't be getting a plea deal. »
Other residents in Santos' former district had mixed opinions.
« I'm not mad anymore. He needs to go away…he needs to pay the money back, » Little Neck resident Barbara Garrett said.
« I don't think he should go to jail, no … he's an American representative. He's probably made some mistakes and bad mistakes, and I don't put him in the same class as violent criminals. More than that, » one said.
« If he breaks the law, he should face the same punishment as anyone else, » said another.
