New York-based Congressman George Anthony Devolder Santos is currently in the eye of a storm after being accused of various offenses, including wire fraud, money laundering, and the theft of public funds.
This was made known via an official press release on October 10 on the official website of the United States Department of Justice.
The accusations are based on a 13-count indictment that was unsealed on October 1 in the Eastern District of New York, United States District Court.
After the unsealing, Santos was quickly taken into custody and is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday, October 10.
Parallel Facts understands the accusations made against Santos at this time are only allegations.
Until he is found guilty, he is presumed innocent. For the most serious charges, Santos could be sentenced to up to 20 years in jail.
The FBI is still looking into the case with the assistance of other authorities.
A group of committed lawyers, including Assistant US Attorneys Ryan Harris, Anthony Bagnuola, and Laura Zuckerwise, are pursuing the case.
Santos is accused of stealing money from supporters during his run for Congress, falsely claiming unemployment benefits at the height of the COVID-19 outbreak, and giving the House of Representatives fake financial declarations, among other allegations.
Commenting on the indictment, United States Attorney Breon Peace, said, “This indictment seeks to hold Santos accountable for various alleged fraudulent schemes and brazen misrepresentations”.
Peace underlined the significance of eliminating corruption from public institutions and making sure that public servants uphold the standards demanded by their voters.
In September 2022, Santos is said to have started defrauding political supporters by using a limited liability corporation.
Two contributors donated a combined $50,000 under false pretenses that it would be utilised for campaign activities like TV advertisements; nonetheless, Santos allegedly used the money for unlawful personal purposes.
Santos was also accused of submitting false applications for unemployment benefits from the New York State Department of Labor during the COVID-19 outbreak, receiving nearly $24,000 while working.
His relations with the House of Representatives were also subject to his deceptive behaviour as alleged.
Santos is accused of making false financial statements during his two Congressional elections, both by overstating his income and assets and by concealing sizable revenues.
Kenneth A. Polite, Jr., an assistant attorney general, and Michael J. Driscoll, an assistant director in charge of the FBI, among others, reaffirmed the dedication of their respective departments to exposing fraud, especially committed by elected officials.