George Santos.Photo: MICHAEL REYNOLDS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
A second former campaign aide to embattled Rep.George Santoshas pleaded guilty to fraud charges,The New York Timesreports.
Sam Miele, a former campaign fundraiser for Santos, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to one count of wire fraud, admitting to impersonating a House staffer in an effort to fundraise for the New York Republican.
Miele reportedly reached a plea agreement with prosecutors, though the terms of that deal have not been made public.
Miele’s guilty plea comes weeks after a former campaign treasurer for Santos, Nancy Marks, waived indictment and pleaded guilty toconspiring with a Congressional candidate to defraud.
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Almost immediately after the Republican newcomer was elected to the House in November,his reputation crumbledwhen numerous reports emerged about apparent lies he had told on the campaign trail regarding his past, alleged fraud he had committed over the course of several years and even anallegation of sexual harassment.
In May, Santos wasarrested and indictedon13 criminal countsalleging fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds, and making false statements; in October, prosecutors announced they hadadded 10 new chargesto the indictment, bringing the total number of criminal counts against him to 23.
The freshman congressman also allegedly stole people’s identities and then charged his donors’ credit cards without their authorization, often for personal gain. Additionally, prosecutors allege Santos falsified records, created and submitted false campaign reports that listed non-existent loans, and fabricated and stole campaign contributions.
If Santos is convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Despite themounting controversies— which include dramatically"embellishing" his resume, misleading voters about his heritage, allegedlyscamming a veteran out of $3,000 meant for his dog’s cancer treatment, and allegedlystealing puppies from Amish dog breeders(he vehemently denies the latter two) — Santos has refused to resign from Congress.
In March, Santosfiled paperwork to run for reelectionin 2024. The Democratic congressman who previously represented the New York districtannounced in October that he would challenge Santosto reclaim the seat.
source: people.com
