Although he initially maintained his innocence, as we reported Friday, former New York Congressman George Santos (R) signaled he would be entering a guilty plea in the federal criminal case that was set to go to trial in September.
Report: Santos Is Expected to Avoid Federal Trial, Switching to Guilty Plea
Santos was facing a trial on 23 charges involving wire fraud, identity theft, making false statements to the Federal Election Commission, and falsifying records in an attempt to obstruct the FEC.
Monday afternoon, Santos pleaded guilty to two of those charges.
George Santos, who was expelled from Congress as he faced nearly two dozen criminal charges, reached a plea deal Monday with federal prosecutors in New York on two federal counts.
Santos pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Santos will be sentenced in February. The anticipated sentencing range is between six and eight years. Additionally, Santos will have to make restitution.
Santos spoke in court, acknowledging a series of crimes, CBS News’ Scott MacFarlane reported. He admitted fraudulently using credit cards of at least one other person for his personal benefit, as well as making false statements to the Federal Election Commission. He also admitted to committing wire fraud between Sept-Oct of 2022.
Under the agreement, Santos will have to repay at least $373,000.
Santos was expelled from Congress in December. He was then replaced by Democrat Tom Suozzi after a special election in February, narrowing the Republican majority in the House.
BREAKING: George Santos Expelled From House of Representatives
Tom Suozzi Defeats Mazi Pilip in NY-03 Special Election, Flipping Seat Back to the Dems
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