Rep. George Santos (R-NY) has been federally indicted and arrested over 13 counts relating to campaign finance fraud and other charges including false statements to Congress and theft of public funds.
The Associated Press reported Wednesday that Santos surrendered to authorities and is expected to make a court appearance later this afternoon.
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace told the outlet that the indictment “seeks to hold Santos accountable for various alleged fraudulent schemes and brazen misrepresentations.”
Per Fox News, Santos has been charged with seven counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering, one count of theft of public funds, and two counts of making materially false statements to the House of Representatives.
The freshman congressman is also accused of telling donors that funds would be used toward his campaign, but the money was used instead to buy designer clothes, alleviate personal credit card debt, and spend lavishly on other items unrelated to his race for Congress.
“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.” Peace said. “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”
Santos is reportedly expected to plead not guilty, according to ABC News.
BREAKING: Santos expected to plead not guilty, sources tell ABC News
— Will Steakin (@wsteaks) May 10, 2023
Santos was first elected to Congress in November 2022.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.