(19 Aug 2024)
FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: 4512904

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Central Islip, New York - 19 August 2024
1. Various of former U.S. Rep. George Santos leaving from the court
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2. SOUNDBITE (English) Breon Peace, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York:
"A short time ago, after years of telling lies, former Congressman George Santos stood in the courthouse right behind me and finally under oath, told the truth. And that truth is he is a criminal. Santos pled guilty to committing serious crimes involving fraud and identity theft. He also admitted to committing all other crimes he was charged with in the superseding indictment. As a result, he will finally be held to account for his actions."
3. SOUNDBITE (English) George Santos, (R) Former U.S. Representative:
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"Pleading guilty is a step I never imagined I take. But it is a necessary one because it is the right thing to do. It's not only a recognition of my misrepresentations to others, but more profoundly, it is my own recognition of the lies I told myself over these past years. It is a confirmation with these truths that have flooded me with deep regret for the choices I made. I'm taking responsibility because I have to. There's no other way around it. To my family, friends and supporters and the people of New York's Third Congressional district, I offer my deepest apologies. I know that my actions have caused disappointment, frustration and a loss of faith in me. And for that, I'm truly sorry."
4. Med of Santos leaving from the court
5. SOUNDBITE (English) George Santos, (R) Former U.S. Representative:
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"As I move forward, I am committed to living a life that reflects the values I should have upheld all along. Truth and integrity. I know that rebuilding trust will take time and that my actions will always be a part of my history. However, and determined to use this experience as a turning point in my life. One that will guide me to make better choices and to be an exemplary member of my family. Thank you."
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STORYLINE:
George Santos, the former New York congressman who spun lies into a brief political career, pleaded guilty Monday to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, acknowledging that he allowed his ambitions to cloud his judgment.

Santos, 36, is likely to spend at least six years in prison and owes hundreds of thousands of dollars in restitution. His federal fraud case, which led to his expulsion from Congress, was just weeks away from going to trial.

“I betrayed the trust of my constituents and supporters. I deeply regret my conduct,” the New York Republican said, his voice trembling as he entered the plea in a Long Island courtroom.

Santos said he accepted responsibility for his crimes and intends to make amends. He faces more than six years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines and owes at least $370,000 in restitution.

Senior Federal Judge Joanna Seybert scheduled sentencing for Feb. 7.

Santos was indicted on felony charges that he stole from political donors, used campaign contributions to pay for personal expenses, lied to Congress about his wealth and collected unemployment benefits while actually working.

Santos was expelled from the U.S. House after an ethics investigation found “overwhelming evidence” that he had broken the law and exploited his public position for his own profit.




New questions then emerged about his campaign funds.





AP Video by John Minchillo



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