Central Islip, NY (AP) – Former American representative in disgrace.George SantosWho lied about his life story and has frauded donors, arrived on a federal court on Friday to cope with the conviction.
The New York Republican, who served the congress for barely a year before his colleagues in the House ousted him in 2023,guiltyLast summer with federal wired fraud and aggravated identity theft.
He admitted to having deceived donors and stolen the identity of nearly a dozen people, including family members, to finance his winning campaign. As part of a advocacy agreement, Santos agreed to pay around $ 580,000 in penalties in addition to prison sentence.
The 36 -year -old did not answer journalists' questions by entering a long court of Long Island, but he told the Associated Press on Thursday that he had resigned from his fate.
“I do as well as any human being, given the circumstances,” Santos wrote in an SMS on Thursday, adding that he was “ready to face music”.
Prosecutors are looking for seven years in federal prison for Santos,argue in recent court documentsthat it “remains unrepentant” and has not shown authentic remorse, despite what it claims.
They quote recent comments that Santos made on social networks in which he presents himself as a victim of the overtaking of procures.
In a letter to the court this week, Santos stressed that heStay “deeply sorry”For his crimes, but said that the conviction proposed by the prosecutors was too severe.
Santos lawyers called for a two -year prison stay, which is the mandatory minimum sentence for aggravated identity theft.
They argue that such a penalty is comparable to pronounced sentencesFormer American representative Jesse Jackson Jr.And other political figures recognized guilty of similar financial crimes.
Santos was elected in 2022, overthrowing a rich district representing parts of Queens and Long Island for the GOP.
Shortly after, it was revealed that the unknown politician had made a large part of his life story, struggling as a prosperous business owner who worked in prestigious Wall Street companies and organized a precious real estate portfolio.
In reality, Santos struggled financially and even faced expulsion. The revelations led to the congress and the criminal investigationsHow he had financed his campaign.
Approaching his conviction, Santos reflected publications on social networks, thanking his supporters and detractors.
“I learned that no matter, on the right or in the center, we are all humans and for most Americans (lol) and we have great power that I cherish and it is compassion”,wrote on Thursday on the social platform x. “At Trolls … Well, you are a punchy part of the way people shape each other, and you made me much stronger and makes my skin thicker!”
He also made a final sheet for his Cameo account, where he records personalized video messages for $ 100.
“Think of the future and any celebration or event to come later this year. Reserve them today,” wrote Santos, ending the post with a series of emojis of heart.
This story was initially presented on Fortune.com
