George Santos Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Identity Theft

Former US Rep. George Santos has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges. The charges against the New York Republican stem from a federal fraud case that prompted his expulsion from Congress. Santos admitted to stealing from political donors, misusing campaign funds for personal expenses, lying about his wealth, and unlawfully collecting unemployment benefits.

Former US Representative George Santos pleaded guilty Monday to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges, leading to his expulsion from Congress.

Santos, a New York Republican, entered his plea in a Long Island courtroom, just weeks before his trial was scheduled to start in early September.

The indictment alleges that Santos stole money from political donors, misused campaign contributions for personal expenses, falsified his financial disclosures to Congress, and unlawfully collected unemployment benefits while employed.

Following an ethics investigation that found 'overwhelming evidence' of his misconduct, Santos was expelled from the US House.

(With inputs from agencies.)