CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP/1010 WINS) — Disgraced former U.S. Rep. George Santos—who lied about his life story and defrauded donors—was sentenced Friday to over seven years in prison, sobbing as he heard his punishment in Long Island federal court.
Santos, 36, was handed a sentence of 87 months, which amounts to just over seven years in prison, during an appearance at federal court in Central Islip. He'll turn himself in on July 25 to begin serving his sentence.
Santos, who pleaded guilty last summer to federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, appealed for mercy. In a federal court a short drive from his old congressional district, he said through tears that he was “humbled” and “chastised” and realized he had betrayed his constituents' trust.
“I offer my deepest apologies,” he said, adding: “I cannot rewrite the past, but I can control the road ahead.”
U.S. District Court Judge Joanna Seybert evidently wasn't convinced.
“Where is your remorse? Where do I see it?” she asked as she sentenced him to 87 months behind bars. “It’s always someone else’s fault.”
Santos struck a somber tone to the New York Times on Thursday, telling the paper, he expects "I'm going to prison for 87 months" and that he's "totally resigned."
“I came to this world alone. I will deal with it alone, and I will go out alone,” he said.
Santos admitted to deceiving donors and stealing the identities of nearly a dozen people, including his family members, to fund his winning campaign. As part of a plea deal, Santos has also agreed to pay roughly $580,000 in penalties.
Prosecutors sought the 87 months in federal prison for Santos, arguing in recent court filings that he “remains unrepentant” and has not shown genuine remorse, despite what he claims.
Santos’ lawyers called for a two-year prison stint, which is the mandatory minimum sentence for aggravated identity theft.
Santos was elected in 2022, flipping a wealthy district representing parts of Queens and Long Island for the GOP.
Soon after, it was revealed that the political unknown had fabricated much of his life story, painting himself as a successful business owner who worked at prestigious Wall Street firms and held a valuable real estate portfolio.
In reality, Santos was struggling financially and even faced eviction. The revelations led to congressional and criminal inquiries into how he had funded his campaign.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.