Former U.S. Rep. Santos pleads guilty to wire fraud, identity theft: 'I betrayed the trust of my constituents'

Former U.S. Representative George Santos pleaded guilty on Monday to charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, effectively ending the federal fraud case that led to his expulsion from Congress as the plea comes just weeks before the trial was set to begin.

The trial, initially scheduled for early September, would have seen federal prosecutors presenting testimony from approximately 40 witnesses, including members of Santos' campaign, employers, and family members, The Associated Press reports.

"I betrayed the trust of my constituents and supporters. I deeply regret my conduct," the New York Republican said as he entered the plea in a Long Island courtroom.

"A short time ago, after years of telling lies, former Congressman George Santos stood in the courthouse behind me and finally, under oath, told the truth," stated U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. "And that truth is that he is a criminal."

According to federal sentencing guidelines, Santos faces over six years in prison and must pay at least $370,000 in restitution. His sentencing is scheduled for February 7, as set by Senior Federal Judge Joanna Seybert.

The disgraced congressman had previously floated the idea of a plea deal despite maintaining his innocence, saying in December that such a decision was not "off the table." "I think everybody should be afraid of going to jail. It's not a pretty place and I definitely want to work very hard to avoid that as best as possible," he added.

Then in April he said he would end his campaign to avoid potentially splitting the Republican vote for first-term GOP Representative Nick LaLota, and bolster the eventual Democratic nominee in the 1st congressional district.

Santos is the sixth House member to be expelled from the House of Representatives.