By Philip Marcelo, Associated Press
Central Islip, NY (AP) – The former American representative in disgrace George Santos, who lied to his life story and has frauded donors, faces the conviction in the Federal Court on Friday.
The New York Republican, who sat in the congress for barely a year before being ousted in 2023 by his colleagues in the House, pleaded guilty last summer to fraud by federal thread and an 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 man told the Associated Press that he had resigned to his fate.
“I do as well as any human being, given the circumstances,” Santos wrote in an SMS on Thursday. “I will be in court tomorrow, ready to face music.”
Prosecutors are looking for seven years in the federal prison for Santos, arguing in recent legal files that 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 he was “deeply sorry” for his crimes but opposes the penalty requested, which, according to him, is 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 sanction is comparable to the sentences inflicted on the former American representative Jesse Jackson Jr. and other recognized political figures 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 have led to conference and criminal surveys on how 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 at the center, we are all humans and for most Americans (lol) and we have a great power that I cherish and it is compassion,” he wrote Thursday on the social platform X. “To trolls … Well, you are a striking part of the way people are shaped, and all made me much stronger and you made my skin!”
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.
The journalist of Associated Press Jake Offenhartz in New York contributed to this story.
Originally published:
California Daily Newspapers
