George Santos Seeks Leniency From Judge Ahead of Sentencing

NEW YORK — Former Congressman George Santos is addressing a federal judge this week before his sentencing on multiple fraud charges. In a letter shared ahead of his court appearance on Friday, Santos, 36, expressed remorse for his crimes but described the seven-year prison sentence sought by prosecutors as excessively harsh.

"Every sunrise since that plea has carried the same realization: I did this, me. I am responsible," Santos wrote in the letter. However, he added, "But saying I’m sorry doesn’t require me to sit quietly while these prosecutors try to drop an anvil on my head." Santos pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft last August.

Prosecutors have argued that Santos "remains unrepentant" and has not shown genuine remorse. They referenced his social media posts, where he described the U.S. Department of Justice as a "cabal of pedophiles," to support their demand for a lengthy sentence. Santos counters that his posts are being misused to portray him negatively.

"Contesting the severity of a proposed sentence is not the same as contesting guilt, and punishing protected speech because it questions punishment should trouble anyone who values fair prosecution over personal vindication," Santos stated, portraying himself as a "scapegoat" in the situation.

Santos also refuted claims from prosecutors that he has not attempted to pay back approximately $580,000 owed as part of his plea bargain. He claimed to have "liquidated personal assets, reduced my living expenses, and tried as hard as I could to raise some money for restitution." He emphasized that he has not asked friends or family for assistance, stating, "I don’t want to bring anyone else in my life into this mess. This is mine to deal with and mine alone."

Santos served just over a year in Congress, representing parts of Queens and Long Island, before facing significant backlash for fabricating much of his life story. U.S. Attorney Breon Peace characterized his actions as "flagrant and disgraceful." Santos’ fate will be decided in Long Island federal court later this week.