Topline
Embattled Rep. George Santos (R-NY) surrendered to a New York federal court Wednesday, according to multiple news reports, and was charged with multiple counts of fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds and making false statements to Congress, according to the indictment (Update: Here are the allegations against Santos).
Rep. George Santos surrendered to a New York federal court Wednesday.
Key Facts
Santos faces seven counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering, one count of theft of public funds and two counts of making false statements to Congress while running for office, according to the indictment.
Crucial Quote
“Taken together, the allegations in the indictment charge Santos with relying on repeated dishonesty and deception to ascend to the halls of Congress and enrich himself,” Breon Peace, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York said in a statement. “He used political contributions to line his pockets, unlawfully applied for unemployment benefits that should have gone to New Yorkers who had lost their jobs due to the pandemic, and lied to the House of Representatives.”
Key Background
Charges against Santos follow a probe by the House Ethics Committee into Santos, after allegations of sexual misconduct and campaign finance violations. The Justice Department charged Santos Tuesday. The congressman’s legal disputes involve a $700,000 loan he made to his campaign last year despite reporting an income of $55,000. Santos claimed the funds came from the Devolder Organization, a firm he said he managed while “consulting” unidentified clients. A House Ethics Committee probe is also investigating whether Santos had groped a former aide, before Santos allegedly pulled a job offer after the aide rejected Santos’ advances. Democrats—and some Republicans—have called for Santos to resign amid his controversies, though he has denied claims against him and has refused to step down.
Tangent
The last Congress member to resign was Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY), who stepped down in May 2022 amid allegations of sexual misconduct. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.) resigned two months earlier, days after he was convicted of concealing information and making false statements to the FBI. Before stepping down, Fortenberry indicated he would appeal the verdict, though then-House minority leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) called for him to resign.
Further Reading
Rep. George Santos Charged By Justice Department, Reports Claim (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2023/05/10/george-santos-charged-with-federal-wire-fraud-and-money-laundering-reports-say/