Ex-Rep. George Santos, formerly of the Republican Party in New York, entered a guilty plea to two federal counts in a New York court on Monday, concerning allegations from his 2022 electoral campaign.
CBS News reported that Santos admitted guilt to charges of wire fraud and severe identity theft.
A minimum sentence of two years is mandated, though the presiding judge indicated the sentence could be between six to eight years, with the sentencing set to take place later in the year.
Under the plea deal, Santos is required to pay restitution amounting to at least $373,749.97.
He faced indictment on a total of 23 charges by the Eastern District of New York, including identity theft, wire fraud, money laundering, and providing false information to the Federal Election Commission.
Initially, Santos refuted all allegations against him.
The expulsion of Santos from the House occurred in December 2023. His campaign finance practices came under scrutiny when it was discovered that the resume he used to win his Congressional seat contained numerous inaccuracies and embellishments.
Following an investigation by the House Ethics Committee, which found that Santos had improperly used campaign funds for personal use and committed deliberate violations of the Ethics in Government Act relating to his Financial Disclosure Statements to the House, he was expelled.
