Former U.S. Representative George Santos, a Republican from New York, is anticipated to plead guilty to multiple counts in his federal fraud case. This development comes as a person familiar with the matter revealed that Santos is expected to enter the plea at a court hearing scheduled for Monday on Long Island.
The individual, who spoke on condition of anonymity, could not publicly disclose the specifics of the plea. Messages seeking comment from three lawyers representing Santos were left unanswered.
The court hearing, requested jointly by prosecutors and Santos' legal team, was set for Monday afternoon. This request also led to a delay in certain pre-trial deadlines.
This news surfaces just weeks before the commencement of jury selection on September 9. Santos had previously pleaded not guilty to a series of financial crimes, including allegations of lying to Congress about his wealth, improperly collecting unemployment benefits while employed, and misusing campaign funds for personal expenses like designer clothing.
The expulsion of the New York Republican from Congress in December followed an ethics investigation that uncovered 'overwhelming evidence' of law-breaking and exploitation of his public position for personal gain.
