NEW YORK >> In a stunning development, U.S. Rep. George Santos has been indicted on charges of stealing the identities of his campaign donors and using their credit cards to make unauthorized charges, while also funneling some of the embezzled money into his own bank account.
The 23-count indictment replaces the previous charges filed against Santos, which included embezzlement and lying to Congress about his wealth.
The new charges allege that Santos fraudulently charged over $44,000 to his campaign by using credit cards belonging to unsuspecting contributors. In one instance, he transferred the majority of $12,000 charged to a donor’s credit card into his personal bank account.
Additionally, Santos is accused of falsifying information to the Federal Elections Commission, claiming he had loaned $500,000 to his campaign when he actually had a meager $8,000 in his personal accounts. This deception was an attempt to present himself as a serious candidate to Republican Party officials.
“Santos is charged with stealing people’s identities, making unauthorized charges, and deceiving the FEC about the financial state of his campaign,” stated U.S. Attorney Breon Peace.
Despite the charges, Santos has not responded to requests for comment. He has previously denied any wrongdoing and referred to the investigation as a “witch hunt.”
If he is convicted, Santos may face a lengthy prison sentence. However, he has refused to resign and plans to seek re-election next year.
The unraveling of Santos’ personal and professional biography as a successful businessman began shortly after he was elected to represent Long Island and Queens. It revealed a complex web of lies and deceit.
In addition to falsely representing his background, heritage, and accomplishments, Santos is accused of carrying out several fraudulent schemes to enrich himself at the expense of his donors.
In May, Santos was initially arrested on federal charges for misusing campaign funds and obtaining unemployment benefits improperly. He was released on bail and has dismissed his actions as harmless embellishments, blaming his former treasurer for his financial irregularities.
Last week, Santos’ former treasurer, Nancy Marks, pleaded guilty to conspiring with him to deceive donors and submit falsified campaign finance reports.
According to the latest indictment, Marks and Santos conspired to create a fake $500,000 campaign loan to gain additional support from a Republican Party committee. Santos has now been charged with recording fake donations from relatives, including Marks, to make it appear that his campaign had met its fundraising goals.
Although Santos was not initially charged alongside Marks, he was identified as a “co-conspirator.”
The new indictment alleges a complex fraud scheme involving Santos, which victimized both his donors and his own family members.
Financial concerns have surrounded Santos, who portrayed himself as wealthy but struggled with low-paying jobs, unemployment, eviction cases, and two separate criminal charges related to bad checks.
Another individual, Sam Miele, who held a fundraiser for Santos, has also been indicted on federal charges for impersonating a high-ranking congressional aide and soliciting campaign contributions under false pretenses.
Miele’s attorney has expressed confidence in his client’s eventual acquittal.
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