George Santos sentenced to over 7 years for fraud

Former U.S. Representative George Santos was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, concluding a scandal marked by extensive lies about his background and misuse of campaign funds. Santos, who served less than a year in Congress before being expelled in 2023, admitted to deceiving donors and using campaign money for personal expenses like luxury items and cosmetic procedures. Judge Joanna Seybert, who imposed the maximum sentence, questioned Santos's remorse, noting his defiant behavior and lack of accountability. Prosecutors described Santos’s conduct as a 'brazen web of deceit,' emphasizing the predatory nature of his crimes and the need for a harsh sentence. In addition to prison, Santos was ordered to pay significant restitution and penalties. The case has been cited as a stark example of political corruption and the consequences of exploiting the electoral system for personal gain.