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| Sometimes actions have consequences for politicians |
Notorious serial liar George Santos — the disgraced former congressman who scammed donors to fuel his winning campaign — broke down into sobs Friday as he learned his fate in a sprawling federal corruption case. The wayward, openly gay ex-Long Island pol, exposed for fibbing about much of his life story, was sentenced to seven years and three months behind bars by Central Islip federal court Judge Joanna Seybert.
“Everyone hates George Santos,” his defense attorney, Robert Fantone Jr., pleaded for leniency. “Everyone’s got flaws, but he’s got more than the rest of us.” Fantone argued Santos’ reputation was already so trashed he’d pay for it his whole life.
Santos, ordered to cough up $373,000 in restitution, wept as he told the judge he’d learned his lesson. “I betrayed the confidence instilled in me by my constituents,” he said. But Seybert wasn’t buying it. “Where is the remorse?” she snapped. “I have searched in vain … but I can’t find a reason to be lenient.”
The 36-year-old pleaded guilty in August to federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, admitting he defrauded donors and used the names of dozens — including family and friends — to falsely inflate his contributor count. Santos, who served less than a year in the House repping parts of Queens and Nassau County until his historic expulsion in December 2023, now hawks $100 personalized videos on Cameo. He posted “Soon” with prayer hand emojis on X hours before sentencing but dodged reporters at court.
Prosecutors pushed for the max seven years, citing Santos’ lack of genuine remorse, including X posts calling himself a “scapegoat” and blasting the Department of Justice. His lawyers countered he was “profoundly sorry,” claiming he was just upset over the harsh sentencing recommendation.
US Attorney John Durham didn’t hold back outside court, blasting Santos’ “disgraceful and greedy conduct.” “Santos’ blatant corruption is an affront to our electoral process,” Durham said, praising Seybert’s 87-month sentence.
Navy veteran Richard Osthoff, who accused Santos of stealing thousands from a fundraiser for his sick dog, called the ex-rep’s tears “crocodile tears.” “That wasn’t real. He’s not remorseful,” Osthoff sneered. “Have fun, George.”
Santos’ lies unraveled after his 2022 election, with fabrications about graduating from NYU and Baruch College and working at Citigroup and Goldman Sachs — none of it true. A 23-count indictment in May 2023 accused him of laundering campaign funds, lying to Congress about his wealth, collecting unemployment while employed, and splurging on designer clothes, Botox, and luxe vacations. His former treasurer, Nancy Marks, pleaded guilty to fraud conspiracy and faces sentencing next month, with prosecutors eyeing three-and-a-half to four years for her.
Santos, who must surrender July 25, requested a northeast prison but was denied protective custody by Seybert, who saw no evidence he needed it. In a Tuesday NY1 interview, he admitted he can’t afford the restitution and fears for his safety in prison. Tough luck, George — the Ferragamo-wearing fibber’s finally facing the music.
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