George Santos Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges, Faces Up to 8 Years in Prison

George Santos, the former congressman who was expelled from Congress amid a series of criminal charges, has reached a plea agreement with federal prosecutors in New York.

On Monday, Santos appeared in federal court in Central Islip, where he pleaded guilty to two federal counts: wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

The plea deal comes as part of a broader investigation into Santos’s criminal activities, which include fraudulently using the credit cards of at least one other individual for personal expenses and making false statements to the Federal Election Commission. Santos admitted to these actions in court, according to CBS News’ Scott MacFarlane, acknowledging his involvement in a series of financial crimes that have severely damaged his career and reputation.

The plea agreement suggests that Santos could face a sentencing range between 6 to 8 years, with the official sentencing scheduled for February 7. As part of the agreement, Santos will also be required to repay at least $373,000, which he unlawfully obtained during the period of his crimes.

Santos’s legal troubles stem from wire fraud committed between September and October of 2022, a time when he was still serving as a member of Congress. His admission of guilt marks a significant turning point in the case, which has drawn widespread attention due to the severity of the charges and Santos’s once-prominent position in the political arena.