Photo: Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Disgraced former Representative George Santos reported to a federal prison in Fairton, New Jersey, on Friday (July 25) to begin serving a seven-year sentence. The New York Republican, who turned 37 earlier this week, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges last summer. His crimes included deceiving donors and stealing identities to fund his congressional campaign.
A federal judge denied his request for a lighter sentence, citing a lack of genuine remorse.
Santos, who once flipped a wealthy district in Queens and Long Island for the GOP, served less than a year in Congress before being expelled. He became just the sixth member of the House to be ousted by colleagues after it was revealed he fabricated much of his life story. During his campaign, Santos falsely claimed to have been a successful business owner and a volleyball star, among other fabrications.
Santos's downfall began in December 2022, when a report by The New York Times revealed his misrepresentations. The scandal led to congressional and criminal investigations, resulting in his expulsion from the House and subsequent legal troubles. Despite his legal issues, Santos has continued to engage with his followers through a podcast and personalized video messages.
Santos's former campaign treasurer also pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to campaign finance fraud.