Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., wearing a no shutdown button walks up the House steps for a vote in the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 28, 2023.
Bill Clark | Cq-roll Call, Inc. | Getty Images
The former campaign treasurer to Rep. George Santos of New York pleaded guilty Thursday to numerous campaign finance felonies related to her work for the Republican congressman, who is also charged with fraud.
The former treasurer, Nancy Marks, admitted guilt on charges of conspiring with a congressional candidate to commit wire fraud, making materially false statements, obstructing the administration of the Federal Election Commission, and committing aggravated identity theft.
Marks, 58, was released on a $100,000 bond following her appearance in U.S. District Court in Long Island on Thursday afternoon.
Court documents showed that during the 2022 election cycle, Marks submitted campaign finance reports falsely claiming that 10 of her and Santos’ family members had contributed to his campaign, when in reality, none had done so.
Marks and Santos also deceived the FEC by falsely stating that Santos had loaned his campaign significant amounts of money, including a loan of $500,000, despite not actually having the funds.
Their intention was to qualify Santos’ campaign for financial and logistical support from the Republican National Committee.
Following the hearing, Marks’ attorney told reporters that Santos had “mentally seduced and manipulated her.”
In May, Santos was indicted on 13 federal charges, including campaign finance fraud, money laundering, and other offenses.
The freshman congressman has pleaded not guilty and has pledged to remain in Congress.
Santos’ attorney declined to comment.
In August, Samuel Miele, a former fundraiser for Santos, was charged in the same federal court with impersonating a top aide to former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in an attempt to solicit campaign donations.
Miele’s legal team is currently in discussions with federal prosecutors regarding a potential plea agreement.
Santos, who represents parts of Nassau County and Queens, has faced bipartisan criticism and calls for resignation since before his inauguration in January 2021.
Shortly after winning the election that flipped his district from Democratic control, Santos was accused of lying about his business history and education.
Although he admitted to fabricating those details, he denied any other wrongdoing.
The embattled congressman has been embroiled in a series of scandals, including allegations of defrauding a veteran by misusing funds raised for his sick dog, while also facing scrutiny regarding his campaign finances.
Local Long Island Republican politicians have repeatedly called for Santos to resign.
Democrats are targeting Santos’ congressional district as they aim to regain majority control of the House in the 2024 elections.
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