(NewsNation) — Former U.S. Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., plans to plead guilty to multiple counts in his federal fraud case Monday afternoon, according to media reports.
The Associated Press reported on the expected plea but said a source speaking on the condition of anonymity could not publicly discuss details. NewsNation partner The Hill also wrote Santos will plead guilty to several charges after initially maintaining his innocence.
Once seen as a rising political star after flipping a suburban district covering Long Island’s North Shore and part of Queens in 2022, Santos came under scrutiny after reports emerged that he had lied about having a career at top Wall Street firms and a college degree. This led to questions popping up about Santos’ campaign funds.
Santos was first indicted on federal charges last year but refused to resign from office. He was ultimately expelled from Congress after an ethics investigation found “overwhelming evidence” that he had broken the law and exploited his public position for his own profit.
The 23 charges Santos faces include wire fraud, making false statements to the Federal Election Commission and money laundering, among others.
Two of Santos’ campaign aides previously pleaded guilty to crimes related to the campaign. Ex-treasurer Nancy Marks pleaded guilty in October to a fraud conspiracy charge, and former fundraiser Sam Miele pleaded guilty a month later to a federal wire fraud charge.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
