What Did George Santos Do to Go to Prison? Former Congressman Sentenced to 87 Months

Former U.S. Congressman George Santos has been sentenced to 87 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The sentencing, handed down on April 25, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert in Central Islip, New York, brings an end to one of the most shocking political scandals in recent memory.

The 36-year-old former representative from New York’s Third Congressional District must also pay $373,749.97 in restitution and forfeit $205,002.97, according to federal prosecutors. Santos, who resigned from Congress amid mounting investigations, admitted to a sweeping series of crimes that spanned campaign finance fraud, credit card theft, unemployment benefits fraud, and lying on official documents.

George Santos’ Crimes: A Breakdown of the Schemes That Sent Him to Prison

Santos’s downfall stemmed from a web of criminal schemes designed to boost his political career, enrich himself, and deceive both voters and federal authorities. Prosecutors say his actions “betrayed public trust and violated democratic systems.”

1. The Party Program Scheme: During his 2022 congressional campaign, Santos and his treasurer, Nancy Marks, submitted fraudulent reports to the Federal Election Commission (FEC). They falsely inflated fundraising totals by listing fake donations from family members and reporting nonexistent personal loans — including a $500,000 loan when Santos had less than $8,000 in his accounts. This deception helped his campaign qualify for financial and logistical support from a national party committee.

2. Credit Card Fraud: From July 2020 to October 2022, Santos stole the personal and financial information of campaign donors and used it to make unauthorized charges. He funneled these stolen funds into his campaign, other political campaigns, and his personal bank accounts. Some victims were elderly individuals suffering cognitive decline, making them more vulnerable to exploitation.

3. Fraudulent Political Contribution Scheme: Santos also created a fake company, which he claimed was raising funds for his campaign. Two donors contributed $25,000 each, believing it would be used for advertising. Instead, Santos transferred the money into his personal accounts, using it for designer clothing, cash withdrawals, debt payments, and transfers to associates.

4. Unemployment Insurance Fraud: Despite being employed by a Florida investment firm, Santos falsely claimed unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between June 2020 and April 2021, he collected more than $24,000 in benefits while receiving a salary and running for office.

5. False Statements to Congress: Santos lied extensively on his official financial disclosure forms to the House of Representatives. He fabricated salary and dividend income from his company, Devolder Organization LLC, and overstated his bank account balances. He also failed to report income from a prior employer and the unemployment benefits he had fraudulently obtained.

Fallout and Reactions: ‘A Weaver of Lies’ Faces Justice

U.S. Attorney John J. Durham described Santos’s sentencing as “judgment day” for a politician who “lied, stole identities, and committed frauds to get elected.” He said the case sends a clear message that public officials who abuse their power will face severe consequences.

FBI Assistant Director Christopher G. Raia said Santos “betrayed the public’s trust” and manipulated campaign finance systems for personal gain. IRS Special Agent Harry T. Chavis added that Santos “made a mockery” of his office and the political process, while Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly called him “a weaver of lies who believed he was above the law.”

Santos’s case highlights ongoing concerns about political corruption, campaign finance transparency, and the misuse of public trust. It also underscores the role of federal agencies in investigating and prosecuting such offenses.

George Santos’s sentencing marks one of the harshest penalties for a former member of Congress in recent history. His 87-month prison term reflects the severity of his crimes and the message prosecutors hope it sends: political power cannot shield anyone from accountability.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What did George Santos do to go to prison?

He committed wire fraud, stole identities, filed false FEC reports, stole campaign donations, claimed fraudulent unemployment benefits, and lied to Congress.

Q2: How long will George Santos be in prison?

Santos was sentenced to 87 months, or just over seven years, in federal prison, plus restitution and forfeiture payments.

Q3: How much money did George Santos steal?

Prosecutors said Santos must repay $373,749.97 in restitution and forfeit $205,002.97, reflecting the scope of his fraud schemes.

Q4: What were the main charges against George Santos?

He pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, but his conduct also involved unemployment insurance fraud, false statements, and campaign finance violations.

Q5: When was George Santos sentenced?

He was sentenced on April 25, 2025, in the Eastern District of New York by Judge Joanna Seybert.