George Santos Sentenced to Over Seven Years in Federal Prison for Fraud and Identity Theft

By Devin Breitenberg

In a stunning conclusion to one of the most bizarre and scandal-plagued political careers in recent memory, former U.S. Representative George Santos was sentenced Friday to 87 months (7 years and 3 months) in federal prison after pleading guilty to multiple counts of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The sentence brings a dramatic end to a saga that has captivated, confounded, and infuriated the American public.

The ruling, delivered by U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert in a packed Long Island courtroom, included a harsh rebuke of Santos' conduct and character. “This was not a one-time lapse in judgment," Judge Seybert said sternly. “It was a calculated scheme sustained over years, driven by arrogance and entitlement.”

The Charges: Lies, Theft, and Misuse of Power

Santos, 36, was charged with 23 federal crimes in total, including wire fraud, money laundering, identity theft, and making materially false statements to the Federal Election Commission. Though some charges were dropped as part of a plea agreement, Santos pleaded guilty to 12 counts, most notably for:

Stealing the identities of campaign donors and using their credit card information to make unauthorized charges totalling more than $44,000.

Falsely reporting loans to his campaign to qualify for national party funding.

Using campaign contributions for personal expenses including luxury trips, designer clothes, Botox treatments, and even OnlyFans subscriptions.

The Justice Department described Santos’ scheme as “a brazen and relentless abuse of public trust.” Prosecutors presented evidence that the former congressman operated his campaign accounts like a personal slush fund, with little regard for legal boundaries or ethical obligations.

A Tearful Defendant, a Sceptical Judge

As Judge Seybert read the sentence, Santos reportedly broke down in tears, burying his face in his hands. In a pre-sentencing letter to the court, he apologized for the “embarrassment and disgrace” he had brought to Congress and his constituents, claiming he had “lost his way” and was committed to making amends.

But the judge remained unconvinced. Seybert cited a pattern of continued dishonesty, including recent inflammatory social media posts and efforts to downplay his actions in public appearances. “Remorse is more than just words,” she said. “It is demonstrated through accountability—and Mr. Santos has shown very little of it.”

Restitution and Forfeiture

In addition to his prison sentence, Santos was ordered to:

Pay $373,000 in restitution to defrauded donors and victims.

Forfeit more than $205,000 in illegally obtained funds.

Serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.

He is scheduled to report to a federal corrections facility no later than July 25, 2025. The Bureau of Prisons will determine his placement in the coming weeks.

The Rise and Fall: From Political Newcomer to Federal Inmate

Santos was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022, flipping a key swing district on Long Island. His rise was rapid—and, as it turned out, built on a foundation of falsehoods. Media outlets quickly uncovered a series of fabrications in his resume: fake degrees, non-existent Wall Street jobs, even claims of Jewish ancestry that proved to be unsubstantiated.

After a damning ethics report in late 2023 revealed extensive financial misconduct, Santos became just the sixth member in U.S. history to be expelled from the House of Representatives. His colleagues voted 311–114 to remove him from office, with many Republicans joining Democrats in calling for his ouster.

Post-Congress Infamy: Monetizing Scandal

Following his expulsion, Santos leaned into his notoriety. He launched a podcast, made paid appearances on Cameo, and even joined OnlyFans. At one point, he reportedly earned over $400,000 from his online ventures, openly mocking the institutions he once served.

“I may be out of Congress,” he said in a now-deleted video, “but I’m not out of the public eye.” These post-scandal antics drew sharp criticism from victims and lawmakers alike and likely influenced Judge Seybert’s decision to impose a harsher sentence.

Reactions Across the Political Spectrum

Reactions to the sentencing were swift. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) called the ruling “a necessary step toward restoring trust in our democratic institutions.” Meanwhile, several Republican leaders condemned Santos’ actions as “a betrayal of conservative principles.”

New York State Attorney General Letitia James issued a statement praising the sentence, saying, “No one is above the law—not even a member of Congress. This case should serve as a warning to those who believe they can manipulate the system for personal gain.”

The Legacy of George Santos

Santos leaves behind a legacy that will likely be studied in political science and ethics classes for years to come: a symbol of how charisma, ambition, and lies can intertwine to exploit the cracks in America's political system.

What began as an improbable rise to Congress has ended in disgrace. As George Santos prepares to trade Capitol Hill for a prison cell, the case remains a sobering reminder of the consequences of deception—and the enduring value of integrity in public service.

Devin Breitenberg is a legal consultant and senior counsel at Devin Law LLC and legal contributor  for Veritas Expositae.  You can reach her at devin.breitenberg@veritasexpositae.com