Ex-Congressman George Santos is set to appear in a Long Island federal court on Monday, where he is anticipated to plead guilty in his ongoing fraud case involving 23 felony charges related to defrauding donors and misrepresenting his finances.
Opting for a guilty plea would eliminate the need for a trial that was scheduled for September, despite hundreds of potential jurors already being summoned and prepared in case he reconsiders his plea. According to ABC News, Santos has a history of making unexpected decisions.
George Santos legal team sought to have part of the fraud case dismissed in the summer
After being expelled from the House of Representatives in December 2023 due to escalating financial misconduct, including accusations by Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, that Santos’ campaign stole from his mother, Santos initially pleaded not guilty to 10 charges in July. His legal team sought to have part of the fraud case dismissed in the summer, but their request was denied.
ABC News also notes that it is “not clear to which charges Santos is expected to plead or what sentence would be imposed,” though two of his associates involved in the case, including his former campaign treasurer, have already pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme.
