Former U.S. Representative George Santos is scheduled to report to federal prison on July 25, 2025, to begin serving an 87-month sentence for charges including wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. This development, noted by Politico and highlighted in a tweet by Olivia P. Walker, marks the culmination of a series of legal proceedings that led to the disgraced former lawmaker's conviction.
U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert imposed the 87-month (seven years and three months) sentence on April 25, 2025, in Central Islip, New York. Santos pleaded guilty to a range of fraudulent schemes that included falsifying Federal Election Commission filings, fabricating donor contributions, and inflating fundraising totals. Prosecutors detailed how he embezzled funds from campaign donors, stole identities, charged credit cards without authorization, and fraudulently obtained COVID-19 unemployment benefits while employed.
Santos's legal troubles led to his historic expulsion from the U.S. House of Representatives in December 2023, making him the first member in over two decades to be removed without a conviction. His brief tenure in Congress was marred by revelations that he fabricated significant portions of his life story, including his education, work history, and personal background. A scathing report from the House Ethics Committee further detailed his extensive misconduct and misuse of campaign funds for personal expenses, including Botox and OnlyFans subscriptions.
During his sentencing, Santos appeared tearful and told the court, "I betrayed the confidence entrusted to me by constituents, donors, colleagues and this court," expressing regret for defrauding voters. However, prosecutors argued that his remorse was not genuine, pointing to his defiant social media posts and the launch of his podcast, "Pants on Fire," as evidence of his continued lack of contrition. Judge Seybert herself questioned his sincerity, asking, "Where is the remorse?"
In addition to the prison term, Santos was ordered to pay approximately $580,000 in penalties, encompassing restitution and forfeiture. U.S. Attorney John Durham emphasized the significance of the sentencing, stating that Santos was "finally held accountable for the mountain of lies, theft, and fraud he perpetrated." This case serves as a stark reminder of the commitment to rooting out public corruption and ensuring that elected officials who abuse the electoral process face consequences.
The former congressman is set to surrender to the federal Bureau of Prisons by 2 p.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025. His conviction and subsequent prison sentence close a chapter on a political career defined by deception and legal challenges, sending a clear message about accountability for public officials.