Disgraced Ex-Rep. George Santos Sentenced to Over 7 Years in Federal Prison for Fraud
Disgraced former U.S. Representative George Santos was sentenced Friday to more than seven years in federal prison—the maximum allowed—after pleading guilty to a string of fraud schemes.
U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert sentenced Santos to 87 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release.
Santos, tearful during the hearing, expressed regret for defrauding voters who supported his 2022 congressional campaign before his sentence was handed down.
Former Rep. George Santos arrives at federal court for sentencing on April 25, 2025, in Central Islip, N.Y.
Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
“My conduct betrayed my supporters and the institutions I swore to uphold,” he said in court, struggling through tears to express remorse for his crimes.
“I undermined the faith in the very institutions I swore to uphold,” he continued. “I cannot rewrite the past, but I can control the road ahead.”
Santos pleaded with Judge Seybert for leniency, insisting he could still make a positive impact on the community he once “robbed.”
Judge Condemns Pattern of Lies
At 36, Santos was convicted of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. He faced a sentencing range of 75 to 87 months, with a mandatory two-year minimum due to the identity theft charge.
He declined to speak with reporters as he arrived at federal court in Central Islip for the Friday morning sentencing.
MORE: George Santos says he has ‘accepted full responsibility’ ahead of sentencing
His lawyer, Andrew Mancilla, described his client as “forever stained” by his actions, arguing Santos has become a media caricature.
“Everyone hates George Santos,” Mancilla said. “But he is a 36-year-old gay man with no prior criminal history who came from a broken home. He built the persona of the man he wanted to be—not the one he was.”
Former Rep. George Santos arrives for sentencing, April 25, 2025, Central Islip, N.Y.
Julia Nikhinson/AP
Federal prosecutors, however, said Santos showed little genuine remorse and continued to deflect blame—targeting the Justice Department and portraying the case as political.
“He has committed crime after crime after crime,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Harris. “He has repeatedly proven he is unable to tell the truth.”
Harris pushed back on Santos’ claims of political targeting, saying the case stemmed from a pattern of “years and years of deceit.”
Judge Seybert echoed the prosecution’s sentiments, calling out Santos’ continued dishonesty and lack of accountability.
“It’s incredible that he did not stop with the lies,” she said. “And it’s incredible that now he tries to blame the government.”
MORE: Judge previously delayed Santos’ sentencing in fraud case
Before sentencing, Seybert acknowledged she had some sympathy for Santos, describing him as a capable individual who might still make a positive contribution to society.
“Mr. Santos, words have consequences,” she said. “The same words that helped you win a seat in Congress brought you to this courtroom.”
“You do have a future—but that future is going to be cut short by the sentence I’m about to impose.”
As his sentence was announced, Santos covered his face with his hands. He was not taken into custody immediately and will report to prison at a later date.
Former Rep. George Santos departs court after sentencing, April 25, 2025
Peter Foley/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Prosecutors Cite ‘Social Media Blitz’
Ahead of Friday’s sentencing in Long Island, prosecutors requested the maximum term of seven years and three months, calling Santos’ actions a “brazen web of deceit” that misled voters and defrauded donors.
In a follow-up filing, they cited Santos’ recent “social media blitz” as further proof he’s unrepentant. One cited post from April 4 on his X (formerly Twitter) account read:
“No matter how hard the DOJ comes for me, they are mad because they will NEVER break my spirit.”
That post coincided with the DOJ’s initial sentencing recommendation.
MORE: Prosecutors seek over 7 years for Santos over campaign fraud and identity theft
In a letter to the court, Santos insisted he had “accepted full responsibility,” stating he could be “profoundly sorry” while also critical of the prosecution’s harsh recommendation.
“But saying I’m sorry doesn’t mean I have to sit quietly while prosecutors drop an anvil on my head,” he wrote. “True remorse speaks up—especially when the penalty becomes absurd.”
He included a chart comparing his case to those of other former politicians, such as ex-Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., who received 30 months for misusing campaign funds, and ex-Rep. Michael Grimm, sentenced to eight months for tax evasion.
Santos had requested a two-year prison sentence.
PHOTO: George Santos leaves federal court in Central Islip, April 25, 2025
REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
Campaign Treasurer Also Faces Sentencing
Santos’ former campaign treasurer, Nancy Marks, helped falsify FEC filings—fabricating donations and inflating totals to qualify for the GOP’s “Young Guns” program.
Marks pleaded guilty to conspiracy in 2023 and is scheduled for sentencing in May.
MORE: George Santos reportedly earned $400K from Cameo appearances, prosecutors say
Santos pleaded guilty in August 2024 and was expelled from Congress in December 2023. Under the plea deal, he agreed to repay nearly $600,000 in restitution and forfeiture.
The judge had initially postponed Santos’ sentencing, giving him additional time to earn income from his podcast to help cover his financial obligations.
Members of the advocacy group Concerned Citizens of NY-03, formed in response to Santos’ actions, spoke out after the hearing.
“My reaction in the courtroom was, ‘Cry me a river,’” said group leader Jody Kass Finkel. “He betrayed the public trust.”