CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — George Santos, who spun lies about his life into an 11-month stint in Congress, pleaded guilty Monday to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in a case that led to his expulsion from office.
Santos’ guilty plea in federal court on Long Island came weeks before the case was to go to trial, punctuating one of the more bizarre stories in modern political lore.
I deeply regret my conduct,” the former New York representative said, his voice trembling as he entered the plea.
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said Santos, in pleading guilty, told the truth “after years of telling lies.”.
Peace said Santos “badly deceived” his constituents, who “came to learn that they were victims of a fraud of unprecedented proportions.”.
Two Santos campaign aides pleaded guilty last year to crimes related to his campaign, complicating his defense.
Ex-fundraiser Sam Miele copped to wire fraud, admitting he impersonated a congressional aide while raising money for Santos’ campaign. »
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