After his historic expulsion from the House of Representatives, former New York Congressman George Santos is shiftng his focus toward avoiding prison time. Court documents filed in the Eastern District of New York reveal that the 35-year-old Republican is currently in plea negotiations with federal prosecutors to resolve the 23-count indictment against him without a trial.
The shift in strategy marks a significant reversal from Santos’s previous stance in September, when he adamantly claimed he would prove his innocence and refused to consider a deal. Now facing over two decades behind bars for charges including identity theft, embezzlement, money laundering, and campaign finance fraud, the “fabulist” former lawmaker admitted during a recent CBS New York interview that he is “working very hard” to avoid incarceration, suggesting he would prefer a settlement involving community service.
The federal case alleges that Santos orchestrated a wide-ranging scheme involving unauthorized credit card charges on donor accounts, the theft of donor identities, and the illegal collection of unemployment benefits. While Santos has attempted to blame his former campaign treasurer, Nancy Marks—who has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy—federal investigators maintain that Santos personally pilfered campaign funds for his own use.
Though his criminal trial is currently slated for September 2024, prosecutors are pushing for an earlier date in late spring or early summer. Meanwhile, the disgraced politician has transitioned to a new career on the platform Cameo, where he reportedly earns significant income producing personalized videos. While cashing in on his notoriety, Santos has also launched a “revenge tour,” filing ethics complaints against former colleagues who supported his removal from Congress.