ASSOCIATED PRESS
Central Islip, New York – August 19, 2024
1. Several former US representatives, George Santos, leave the court
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2. SOUNDBITE (English) Breon Peace, US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York:
"Recently, after years of lying, former Congressman George Santos stood right behind me in the courthouse and finally told the truth under oath. And that truth is that he is a criminal. Santos pleaded guilty to serious crimes, including fraud and identity theft. He also admitted to all of the other crimes he was charged with in the indictment. As a result, he will now finally be held accountable 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 would take. But it is a necessary step because it is the right thing to do. It is not only an admission of my misrepresentations to others, but, more profoundly, an admission of the lies I have told myself over the past few years. It is an acknowledgment of those truths, which have flooded me with deep regret for the choices I made. I accept responsibility because I must. There is no other way around it. To my family, friends and supporters, and to the people of New York's Third Congressional District, I deeply apologize. I know my actions have caused disappointment, frustration, and a loss of trust in me. And for that, I am sincerely sorry."
4. Med of Santos leaves the court
5. SOUNDBITE (English) George Santos, (R) Former U.S. Representative:
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"I am determined to live a life going forward that reflects the values ​​I should have always held dear: truth and integrity. I know it will take time to rebuild trust and that my actions will always be a part of my story. However, I am determined to use this experience as a turning point in my life. One that will guide me to make better choices and be an exemplary member of my family. Thank you."
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ACTION:
George Santos, the former New York congressman who made a brief political career by lying, pleaded guilty Monday to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, acknowledging that his ambitions clouded his judgment.

Santos, 36, will likely face at least six years in prison and must pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in restitution as his federal fraud case that led to his expulsion from Congress was just weeks away from trial.

"I have betrayed the trust of my voters and supporters. I deeply regret my actions," the New York Republican said with a trembling voice as he made the confession in a Long Island courtroom.

Santos said he has accepted responsibility for his crimes and wants to make amends. Under federal sentencing guidelines, he faces more than six years in prison and must pay at least $370,000 in restitution.

Senior Federal Judge Joanna Seybert has scheduled the sentencing for February 7.

Santos was charged with stealing from political donors, using campaign contributions to cover personal expenses, lying to Congress about his wealth, and collecting unemployment benefits when he actually worked.

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

Then new questions arose about his campaign funds.

AP video by John Minchillo

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