George Santos Granted Delay in Sentencing, Faces $580K in Fines
Former Congressman George Santos, who pleaded guilty to federal fraud and identity theft charges, has been granted a delay in his sentencing after requesting additional time to raise the funds necessary to cover fines totaling nearly $580,000. A New York judge approved the delay on Wednesday, pushing his sentencing date to April 25, roughly three months later than Santos had originally requested.
Santos, a Republican who represented parts of Queens and Long Island, was indicted after admitting in August that he deceived voters, misled donors, and stole the identities of multiple individuals to fund his congressional campaign. As part of his plea, Santos agreed to pay $375,000 in restitution and $205,000 in forfeiture, and he faces a mandatory minimum of two years in prison, with a maximum sentence of up to 22 years.
The delay was granted by U.S. District Court Judge Joanna Seybert, who referred to it as a “one-time courtesy” to allow Santos more time to gather the funds. Despite Santos’ previous promises, the judge noted that he has yet to make any payments toward the owed amount, nor has he shown he has the means to do so. Santos’ lawyers requested more time, claiming that his recently launched podcast, “Pants on Fire,” would generate the necessary income to cover his fines.
However, prosecutors contested the delay, questioning Santos’ financial claims. They pointed out that he has earned significant amounts from Cameo appearances and a new documentary since being expelled from Congress in 2023. Santos’ attorneys countered, arguing that much of his earnings had been used for legal fees and living expenses. They also claimed that he has struggled to secure meaningful income, with the podcast being his primary source of potential revenue.
Santos, who was expelled from Congress in 2023, previously gained attention for fabricating details of his personal life and career.
