“TI have lost the trust of my constituents and supporters. I deeply regret my conduct,” the New York Republican said.
Speaking to reporters outside the court, he admitted that his political ambitions led him to “make decisions that were unethical.”
George Santos, of Brazilian descent, could face a sentence of between two and 22 years in prison, the New York State Attorney General’s Office said in a statement. The sentence to be imposed will be announced on February 7.
As part of an agreement with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the former congressman must return around $375,000 (339,000 euros). Another $205,000 (185,600 euros) will be confiscated.
George Santos, 36, was charged with conspiracy, making false statements, falsifying records, aggravated impersonation and credit card fraud, among other charges, to which he had previously pleaded not guilty.
The trial of the former congressman, who was free on bail and required to report periodically to authorities, was scheduled to begin in September.
The New York Times reported, shortly after Santos’ election in November 2022, all the falsehoods about his CV, namely regarding his family, religion, studies, professional experience or hobbies, with him himself admitting that he had “embellished” some details.
George Santos was expelled from the US Congress in December 2023.
Among the falsehoods reported were claims of being descended from Jewish Holocaust survivors who allegedly fled Nazi atrocities during World War II (1939-1945), being a graduate of New York University and having worked for the American banks Goldman Sachs or Citigroup.
Santos lied to Congress about his wealth, used campaign donations to pay personal expenses and collected unemployment benefits while working.
Read Also: Former Congressman George Santos announces departure from the Republican Party
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Source: https://www.noticiasaominuto.com/mundo/2617877/eua-george-santos-declara-se-culpado-de-fraude-e-usurpacao-de-identidade
